Name: De Wetshof - Bataleur Chardonnay
SKU: 2882520
Availability: InStock

De Wetshof – Bataleur Chardonnay

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South Africa

Western Cape

Wine

White

The Facts

UPCs 2023 (750ml) - 6 004635 000149

Origins South Africa > Western Cape > Breede River

Appellation Robertson

Varietal Chardonnay

Cepage 100% Chardonnay

Winemaking Located 160km east of Cape Town in South Africa’s Breede River Valley, Robertson is renowned for premium wines, including Chardonnay, Shiraz, and sparkling wines from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Bateleur Vineyard, planted in 1987, spans 3.51 hectares with 13,668 vines (4000 vines per hectare) and is one of South Africa’s oldest Chardonnay sites. The rocky, limestone-rich soils with high pH, clay content, and excellent water retention create optimal conditions for varietal expression. Sitting at 160m elevation, the vineyard benefits from a warm, dry climate (400mm annual rainfall) tempered by cooling breezes from the Indian Ocean (90km away) and marked diurnal temperature variation, which preserves acidity and promotes complex flavor development. In 2023, early bud break due to a dry winter and warm spring was followed by ideal harvest conditions in January and February. Grapes are handpicked and vinified with precise site-specific methods, fermented in new French oak barrels, and matured for 12 months with regular lees stirring for enhanced complexity and structure. This meticulous process yields wines with vibrant fruit, refined acidity, and exceptional depth.

Alcohol by Volume 14.0%

Markets California

Trade and Media

Shelf Talker

The Character

Overall A Story of Soil, Sun, and Skill

Aromas Vibrant citrus, ripe pear, subtle nuts, and oak spice

Mouthfeel Luxurious, full-bodied mouthfeel with a creamy texture

Tasting Notes The resulting wine displays vibrant citrus and pear-drop notes, complemented by a subtle nuttiness and a refined citrus finish. With proper cellaring, the Bateleur develops greater complexity and can age beautifully for many years. Its elegantly muscular profile pairs perfectly with roasted red meats like leg of lamb, as well as select cheeses.

Selling Point From limestone soils; elegant, complex, age-worthy.

Pairings Roast lamb, creamy cheeses, and rich seafood like lobster or seared scallops

Awards 92pts James Suckling

Sustainability Certified Sustainable

The Story

As the first registered wine estate in the Robertson Wine Valley, De Wetshof has earned a global reputation as South Africa’s premier Chardonnay House. Among its crown jewels is the Bateleur Chardonnay, a wine that epitomizes the estate’s dedication to excellence and tradition.

Named after the majestic African eagle, the Bateleur symbolizes strength, precision, and grace—qualities reflected in this flagship wine. Crafted from meticulously selected vines rooted in limestone-rich soils, the Bateleur Chardonnay showcases the Robertson Valley's unique terroir with unparalleled elegance and depth.

With a winemaking heritage dating back to 1694, the De Wet family brings three generations of expertise to the creation of the Bateleur. Every vintage reflects an unwavering commitment to detail, combining nature’s finest gifts with state-of-the-art cellar technology. The result is a Chardonnay that embodies complexity, balance, and longevity, firmly establishing De Wetshof as a global leader in premium winemaking.