Producer >
Situated in the Paarl Valley, 60 kilometres north east of Cape Town, this 160 hectare estate has been cultivated for more than 300 years with records showing that the farm was one of the first in the region to be dedicated to producing wine grapes. Purchased by the Grieve family in 1997, their youngest son, Johnathan has overseen the property since the outset. Convinced by the importance of environmental harmony, he developed a motto ‘Terra est Vita’ or ‘Soil is Life’ and set about introducing organic and biodynamic practices. 70 hectares of the estate are planted with vines across 13 different soil types, ranging from loam to decomposed granite and sandstone. Varieties are matched to soil type and planted in one hectare blocks with each plot being vinified separately. The winery operates by gravity and no additives are used including less than half the normal doses of sulphites.
Viticulture >
Avondale was established on the slopes of the Klein Drakenstein Mountains to the south of the town of Paarl and 60 kilometres north east of Cape Town. The estate currently has 70 hectares of land planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Semillon, Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, Mourvedre, Grenache, Viognier, Rousanne and Chardonnay vines. The vineyards are certified organic but a number of biodynamic practices are employed as well. According to soil type, vines are planted in particular soil pockets in blocks of around one-hectare. Avondale has 13 different soil types on our land – from cool, dark loam to decomposed granite and decomposed sandstone; from no rock to 75% rock. Avondale makes use of up to 10 different mixes of cover crops, which includes the sowing of the seeds of indigenous plants, to create a vibrant, diverse plant community right in the vineyards.
Winemaking >
Handcrafted using 100% healthy, organically-grown Chardonnay grapes, and graciously given seven years on the lees, Armilla has had the time to develop an exceptional character and outstanding elegance.
THE MAKING OF ARMILLA - The grapes were hand-picked in the cool early morning at 18° to 19° Balling. Whole bunches were pressed, the juice settled and then racked to a stainless steel tanks for natural fermentation. 10% was fermented in French oak barrels and blended back. The blended wine was left on the lees for 24 months, after which it was bottled to allow second fermentation in glass. The wine stayed on the lees in glass for 60 months before it was disgorged. In line with tradition, a dosage was added.
Chardonnay
11.5
SOUTH AFRICA
6
Cork
Avondale Wine
Organic
Biodynamic
Vegan
Vegetarian 
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