The Franschhoek estate’s magical vista is resplendent in its latest barrel-fermented wine
There are few places with views that match wine so exquisitely as La Petite Ferme in Franschhoek. Now, the boutique winery complements its exquisite rainbow palette of premium wines with the latest release of its Barrel Fermented Chardonnay.
Exclusively available from the estate, the La Petite Ferme Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2016 allows for a rediscovery of the excellence inherent across its range. The latest incarnation of this wine displays an inviting aroma of beurre noizette (burnt butter) accompanied by notes of roasted almonds that emerge as a result of the wine’s judicious exposure to wood. On the palate, there are flavours of fresh ripe pineapple and green apple.
Overall, the wine is well balanced and complex, combining fresh citrus and elegant layers of sensory enjoyment typical of premier Chardonnays.
“Our 2016 Chardonnay takes a different path then previous vintages,” says Wikus Pretorius, the internationally experienced winemaker who has been at La Petite Ferme since October 2015. “Fruit for the 2016 vintage is a combination of our estate grown vineyards and grapes from Elim (Agulhas) which is more coastal.
“Typical stone fruit flavours are contributed by the Franschhoek grapes and cutting fresh minerality, by the Elim fruit. They work exceptionally well together to produce a wine with length as well as freshness.”
Pretorius is particularly happy with the wine for its delicacy and freshness while retaining enough weight from the time spent in oak. “The result is a wine that is equally at home by itself or with food.”
The La Petite Ferme Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2016 is also available at the estate’s beautifully appointed restaurant. With the current summer menu on offer, the wine pairs exquisitely with the braised leg of rabbit that is served with mustard apple sauce, baby vegetable, dried apple and sweet potato purée, and is available on both the lunch and dinner menu. For lunch alternatives, it makes an equally great partner to the dish of wild mushrooms with cauliflower truffle purée, pearl barley, pecorino cheese and garlic crumbs, and also the whole smoked trout served with lemon-chive hummus, roasted beetroot, horseradish crème fraiche and baby fennel salad.
When combined with the expansive mountain views from its hillside location, every visit to La Petite Ferme is a memorable occasion.
La Petite Ferme is well-known for its premium boutique range of reds and whites that express their unique Franschhoek terroir. Wines are produced in small and limited quantities – an approach that encapsulates the best of the estate’s handcrafting philosophy.
“I love the real hands-on approach during the winemaking,” says Pretorius. “I challenge myself to create wines that are elegant and complex; that can be enjoyed and discussed; and offer the opportunity for new discovery when combined with a well-made meal.”
In addition to its restaurant, La Petite Ferme offers a range of accommodation with vineyard suites or luxuriously appointed rooms in its grand Manor House. It is also a very popular location for events and functions.
The La Petite Ferme Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2016 is only available from the estate and is sold in the wine shop and restaurant for R200 per bottle.
For more information, visit www.lapetiteferme.co.za. For restaurant reservations, send e-mail to [email protected] or phone +27 (0)21 876 3016.
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