{"title":"South Africa | Hemel-en-Aarde","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"float: none;\" alt=\"The Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Valley in South Africa\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/Hemel_en_Aarde_Valley_Banner.jpg?v=1729620384\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHemel-en-Aarde is widely regarded as one of the most exciting wine areas in South Africa and one of the most beautiful. To many, it is the place for fine, restrained, classically styled South African Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Falling within the Walker Bay “District\", It is comprised of three contiguous \"Wine Wards\" located behind the historic seaside resort town of Hermanus, surrounded by nature reserves, overlooking the cool South Atlantic Walker Bay. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHemel-en-Aarde means Heaven and Earth in old Dutch and Afrikaans and according to a visiting Moravian missionary in 1899, “Rightly has it got its name because so high are the hills which closely embrace the valley all round, that they seem to touch the sky and you cannot see anything but heaven and earth”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hemel-en-Aarde is home to more than 20 wine producers (and growing) and there are several factors that, in combination, set it apart from other South African wine producing areas. Firstly, the Hemel-en-Aarde is an area of unusual grape varietal focus for South Africa. While there are highly sought-after wines made from a number of different cultivars, plantings are overwhelmingly made up of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Secondly, there are no large volume producers and production is on average small and very high-end. In terms of the number of trophies, classic scores, gold medals and 5 star ratings per case of wine produced, the Hemel-en-Aarde is unmatched. Thirdly, the properties are almost all family owned and operated, by the families that pioneered them from unplanted ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnusually close proximity to the cooling influence of the South Atlantic Ocean and a more southerly location than the traditional South African winelands, makes the Hemel-en-Aarde one of the coolest, most maritime, wine producing areas in the country.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"storm-wines-ridge-chardonnay","title":"Storm 'Ridge' Chardonnay 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eStorm Wines 'Ridge' Chardonnay is sourced from a vineyard grown on a cool, eastern slope on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge with low-vigour, stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld shale soil. The 2023 was picked with great vibrant, natural acidities and saw an extra two months in barrel, totalling 13 months in Burgundian barriques. The Ridge Chardonnay is an elegant expression marked by restraint, length and minerality. Notes of pink grapefruit and pink pepper emerge with air and accent what is a lovely salty, linear, and focused Chardonnay with a softly textured finish.[#intro] This an elegant wine with crisp fruit and a long, softly textured finish...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Storm Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32301232357443,"sku":"A23STORMRIDGECHD-1","price":39.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/RidgeCHDBt.jpg?v=1729615459"},{"product_id":"ataraxia-chardonnay","title":"Ataraxia Chardonnay 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Ataraxia Chardonnay is an award-winning, unapologetically wooded Chardonnay, that has been known to regularly top the charts in many a South African Chardonnay tasting. A minimalist, non-interventionist winemaking approach, geared to reflect sense of place and expression of terroir, was adopted in crafting this wine. The Chardonnay is 100% barrel fermented and carefully matured in specially selected small French oak barriques sourced exclusively from Burgundian coopers. A chiselled, focused wine that effortlessly manages to be both subtle and intense, it whispers hints of sun-warmed tropical fruits, gentle peach and vanilla.[#intro]An unapologetically wooded Chardonnay that is arguably one of South Africa's finest expressions...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ataraxia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40394430087235,"sku":"A23ATARAXIACHARDONNAY","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/ChardonnayBottle_039cf536-853e-470a-8265-860673f5a940.jpg?v=1675963171"},{"product_id":"ataraxia-pinot-noir","title":"Ataraxia Pinot Noir 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Ataraxia Pinot Noir is a classy, captivating and svelte example of what can be achieved in the Cape. In South Africa, experience and research has shown the Hemel en-Aarde Valley to be unequivocally the most exciting and promising area for quality Pinot Noir production, easily on a par with and often exceeding the quality attained in other New World Pinot Noir producing regions. Matured in French oak barrels for 11 months this Pinot Noir offers up a fine blend of aromas, including red cherries, pomegranate, delicate forest floor and a hint of spice and new oak. On the palate the wine is sensual and embracing, with a captivating mid-palate depth, lovely transparency and excellent focus on the suavely-tannic finish.[#intro]A classy wine from unequivocally South Africa's most exciting region for Pinot Noir...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ataraxia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40394450010179,"sku":"A22ATARAXIAPINOTNOIR","price":32.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/PinotNoirBottle_f10b59c4-9b3d-4bf9-a7aa-dac5875d9851.jpg?v=1675965210"},{"product_id":"crystallum-peter-max-pinot-noir","title":"Crystallum 'Peter Max' Pinot Noir 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Crystallum ‘Peter Max’ Pinot Noir is made with grapes sourced from five different vineyards, including two in the Hemel-en-Aarde, one near Clay Shales, one outside Villiersdorp and a new high altitude, inland site. Peter and Max are the first names of the growers who supplied the fruit for the first vintage of this wine. The different sites experience altitude and cooling sea breezes, which slow down the grape ripening process, resulting in grapes with excellent concentration of flavour and balanced, fresh acidity. After fermentation the wine was aged in 228 litre and 500 litre, lightly toasted French oak barrels for nine months, 10% of which was new. The wine was bottled after a light filtration. A slightly more savoury and distinctly Burgundian expression featuring enhanced earthiness from cloves and tree bark. The red fruits are there in abundance, most notably wild strawberries and rhubarb, while there is a red apple skin quality to the tannins. The finish is all crushed mulberries and salted cherries, adding a moreish finish that makes the wine dangerously drinkable in spite of its ageing potential. [#intro]A moreish and dangerously drinkable Pinot Noir in spite of its ageing potential...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Crystallum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40619459149891,"sku":"A24CRYSTALLUMPETERMAXPN","price":33.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/PeterMaxPNBottle.jpg?v=1695232833"},{"product_id":"cap-maritime-pinot-noir","title":"Cap Maritime Pinot Noir 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Cap Maritime Pinot Noir vineyards are situated in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley appellation and planted on distinctive soils comprising of Table Mountain sandstone and decomposed granite. The grapes were picked and sorted into small boxes and transported in refrigerated trucks to the Boekenhoutskloof winery in Franschhoek. At the winery, a careful triage (selection process) took place, to ensure that only healthy whole berries were transferred into concrete fermentation tanks. After spontaneous fermentation, 60% of the juice was transferred to Stockinger 2,500L Fourdre, and 40% to new French Oak barriques for elevage of up to 15 months, including a prolonged malolactic fermentation under low temperatures. The resultant wine displays fresh fruit flavours, concentration and energetic acidity. The nose is intense and inviting with aromas of wild strawberry, coffee, black cherry and whiffs of iris, violets, potting soil and dried leaves. The perfume of the nose follows through onto a rich, elegant, brooding palate exuding black fruit, with flavours of blueberry, ripe plums, blood orange, fresh cherries and hints of cloves, tobacco leaf and cola creating exceptional complexity. The mid-palate is round, smooth and balanced with svelte tannins and refreshing, yet integrated acidity. The wine ends with notes of allspice and cinnamon, liquorice, cedar and potpourri lingering on a vibrant finish. [#intro]Hemel-en-Aarde is one of South Africa's most exciting places to grow Pinot Noir...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cap Maritime","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40620832817219,"sku":"A22CAPMARITIMEPN","price":38.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/CapMaritimePinotNoirBt.jpg?v=1695321866"},{"product_id":"crystallum-clay-shales-hemel-en-aarde-chardonnay","title":"Crystallum 'Clay Shales' Chardonnay 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Crystallum 'Clay Shales' Chardonnay is grown in the 'Clay Shales' single vineyard, the name of which is derived from the soil composition here: predominately clay and shale. This combination allows for optimum fruit development while naturally restricting vigour. The vineyard sits at 300 metres above sea level in the mountains behind the town of Hermanus in the Walker Bay region. Altitude and cooling sea breezes slow down the grape ripening process, resulting in grapes with excellent concentration of flavour balanced by a vibrant acidity. At the winery, the grapes were gently pressed as whole clusters to obtain a very clear juice. The juice was left to settle in tanks and then racked into 500-litre French and Austrian oak barrels (25% of which were new), where the wine fermented naturally and remained on its lees for 10 months, gaining textural complexity. It was bottled by hand with no filtration or cold stabilisation to retain maximum intensity of flavour and character. This complex yet fresh Chardonnay displays white pear notes and banoffee pie's richness and depth. The palate is textured, showing notes of lemon peel, salted macadamia, and oatmeal. It is a generous expression of the single vineyard site with an impressive ability to age. [#intro]This complex, fresh \u0026amp; textured Chardonnay is undoubtedly one of South Africa's best...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Crystallum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41622823206979,"sku":"A23CRYSTALLUMCLAYSHALES-1","price":38.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/ClayShalesChardonnayBt.jpg?v=1720164101"},{"product_id":"ataraxia-sauvignon-blanc","title":"Ataraxia Sauvignon Blanc 2025","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Ataraxia Sauvignon Blanc is handcrafted from grapes grown on ancient Table Mountain sandstone soils and as such represents perfectly the unique qualities of its terroir. Seamlessly incorporating the very best that the Old and New World styles have to offer, favouring salinity, brininess and minerality ahead of pure, pungent fruit, it is a wine of substantial poise, length, and charm.[#intro]Cool-climate, unwooded Sauvignon Blanc that celebrates the virtues of elegance, vivacity \u0026amp; finesse...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Ataraxia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41705083666499,"sku":"A22ATARAXIASB-1","price":19.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/SauvignonBlancBt_ed13ef19-180e-49dc-98d1-4880f4a53d82.jpg?v=1722778871"},{"product_id":"storm-vrede-pinot-noir","title":"Storm 'Vrede' Pinot Noir 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Storm 'Vrede' Pinot Noir hails from a steep, northeast-facing slope in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley with low-vigour, stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld shale soil. Aged for a year in roughly a third new French oak. Open, pretty and delicate with a spectrum of ripe aromatic fruits; raspberry, strawberries, cherries and fine earth, with a fresh, concentrated feel and finessed tannins. Not simple yet so inviting and delicious! [#products]bodega-colome-altura-maxima-salta-pinot-noir,domaine-dureuil-janthial-rully-rouge,franz-haas-pinot-nero,otronia-patagonia-pinot-noir,jane-eyre-tasmania-pinot-noir,penner-ash-willamette-valley-pinot-noir[\/products][#intro]An inviting \u0026amp; delicious Pinot Noir from South Africa's Hemel-en-Aarde Valley...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Storm Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53517211730301,"sku":"A22STORMVREDEPN-1","price":39.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/VredePNBT.jpg?v=1729628904"},{"product_id":"storm-ignis-pinot-noir","title":"Storm 'Ignis' Pinot Noir 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eGrapes for the Storm 'Ignis' Pinot Noir are sourced from a northern slope in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Organically farmed, the vineyard is cluttered with round pebbles on the soil surface with underlying decomposed granite. Ignis benefits from constant air flow and reduced disease pressure. At the winery the Storm 'Ignis' Pinot Noir is fermented with 20% whole bunches and matured in used wood for 11 months. The palate is medium-bodied, lightly spiced and with fine acidity. There are traces of ripe strawberry, red cherry, currants, a little brioche and judicious toast.[#products]domaine-bachelet-monnot-maranges-vieilles-vignes,craggy-range-martinborough-pinot-noir,valli-gibbston-vineyard-pinot-noir,domaine-drouhin-dundee-hills-oregon-pinot-noir,domaine-vacheron-sancerre-rouge[\/products][#intro]Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot, that's intensely aromatic, savoury \u0026amp; elegant with fine silky tannins...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Storm Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53517383762301,"sku":"A21STORMIGNISPN-1","price":38.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/IgnisPNBT.jpg?v=1729670766"},{"product_id":"ataraxia-marroquin-cinsault","title":"Ataraxia 'Marroquin' Cinsault 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe earliest recorded written mention of the variety better known today as Cinsault or Hermitage was by the French agronomist Olivier de Serres in 1600 using the synonym “Marroquin.” First introduced into South Africa in the 1850’s, it became the most widely planted red grape variety in the Cape. Sadly, by the turn of the 20th century its star had waned, and the variety consigned to second class status. Of late, a renewed interest has seen a renaissance of this neglected grape in South Africa and the Marroquin is Ataraxia's contribution to this exciting renaissance. Matured in French oak barrels for 11 months this is a sleek and seductive expression of Cinsault, fragrant and savoury with subtle spice and perfectly balanced acidity. [#products]langmeil-the-fifth-wave-grenache,the-chocolate-block,rhone-by-roger-sabon,kloof-street-swartland-rouge,rotem-and-mounir-saouma-cotes-du-rhone-villages-inopia-rouge,chateau-de-beaucastel-cotes-du-rhone-coudoulet-rouge[\/products][#intro]Marroquin is Ataraxia's contribution to the Cape's exciting Cinsault renaissance...[\/intro] \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ataraxia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53519599370621,"sku":"A24ATARAXIAMARROQUIN-1","price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/MarroquinBt.jpg?v=1729789850"},{"product_id":"alheit-vineyards-cartology","title":"Alheit Vineyards Cartology 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Alheit Vineyards Cartology is the quintessential expression of South Africa’s New Wave movement and the cornerstone of Chris and Suzaan Alheit’s project. Named for the \"study of maps,\" this wine is a magnificent blend of 92% Chenin Blanc and 8% Sémillon, meticulously sourced from rare parcels of dry-farmed, heritage bushvines - many of them over 40 years old - spread across several distinct regions of the Western Cape. The 2024 vintage, marked by low yields and healthy, concentrated fruit, is already being hailed as one of the best recent releases. It achieves a thrilling balance between concentration and freshness, perfectly reflecting the diverse slate, granite, and sandstone soils from which it is born. The nose is immediately striking with aromas of ripe pear, kumquat, lime zest, and subtle jasmine. Nuances of honeycomb, dried herbs, and wet gravel emerge as the wine opens. On entry the palate is energetic and beautifully shaped. It offers a medium-full body and a waxy texture, framed by vibrant, racy acidity. Flavours move seamlessly from ripe stone fruit (apricot, white peach) to savoury, salty tension on the mid-palate. The finish is exceptionally long, deep, and resonant, finishing bone dry with a compelling mineral grip that encourages the next sip. [#intro]Cartology is the vinous map of the Cape, an iconic blend of ancient dry-farmed vines...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Alheit Vineyards","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57452836946301,"sku":"A24ALHEITCARTOLOGY-1","price":40.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/CartologyBT.jpg?v=1764068763"},{"product_id":"alheit-vineyards-hemelrand-vine-garden","title":"Alheit Vineyards Hemelrand Vine Garden 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Alheit Hemelrand Vine Garden is produced from a single vineyard planted in 2010 on the cold, wind-swept Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. It is a true field blend of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Roussanne, Verdelho, and a touch of Muscat. Rather than blending finished wines, the varieties are picked and pressed together, allowing the vineyard's specific high-altitude \"voice\" to lead the way. In keeping with Chris Alheit's low-intervention philosophy, the 2024 was fermented with native yeasts in old, neutral French oak barrels. The wine matured on its lees for around a year, gaining a subtle, creamy texture without any \"toasty\" wood interference. The result is a wine that feels incredibly pure and vertical, reflecting the stony soils and the cooling Atlantic breezes that define the Ridge. The 2024 vintage is remarkably vibrant. The nose is a complex mix of white peach, apricot, and a hint of orange blossom. On the palate, it has a beautiful, waxy weight that is immediately cut through by a laser-like acidity. It is both sun-ripened and stone-cold - a perfect balance of South African fruit and \"Old World\" structure. This is a wine that rewards the patient drinker. It is a \"Bonafide\" expression of a single place, offering a level of sophistication usually reserved for top-tier Burgundy. It’s a standout choice for anyone looking to explore the cooler side of the Cape’s white wine revolution. [#intro]An elegant, high-altitude field blend offering stone fruit depth, exotic spice \u0026amp; crystalline mountain freshness...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Alheit Vineyards","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57780000260477,"sku":"A24ALHEITVINEGARDEN","price":38.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/HemelrandVineGarden.jpg?v=1770072752"},{"product_id":"creation-reserve-pinot-noir","title":"Creation Reserve Pinot Noir 2020","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCreation Reserve Pinot Noir\u003c\/b\u003e is a perfect example of why South Africa's \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"61\"\u003eHemel-en-Aarde \u003c\/b\u003eregion has become an absolute hotspot for world-class winemaking. This red wine is all about pure, vibrant energy and a texture that feels like silk from the moment it hits your glass. It greets you with wonderful, bright aromas of ripe red cherries, wild strawberries, and a faint touch of warming spice. On the palate, it is effortlessly juicy and medium-bodied, balancing those crisp berry flavours against a deeper, savoury complexity. A patient spell in \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"274\"\u003eFrench oak barrels\u003c\/b\u003e rounds everything out perfectly, ensuring the finish is incredibly smooth with a delicate hint of toasted warmth. It is an ideal match for straightforward, comforting British cooking - pour a glass alongside a classic \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5\" data-index-in-node=\"207\"\u003eSunday roast lamb\u003c\/b\u003e, a slow-baked mushroom hotpot, or pan-fried duck breast.[#intro]\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA beautifully smooth, bright South African red overflowing with juicy cherries and comforting sweet spice...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Creation","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58329100910973,"sku":"A20CREATIONPINOTNOIRRESV","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/CreationReservePinotNoirBottle.jpg?v=1782579859"},{"product_id":"creation-reserve-chardonnay","title":"Creation Reserve Chardonnay 2023","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eThe \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"4\"\u003eCreation Reserve Chardonnay\u003c\/b\u003e is a masterclass in modern, cool-climate wine making, and puts South Africa firmly on a par with the very best of Burgundy. Crafted by \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"164\"\u003eCreation Wines\u003c\/b\u003e high up on the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"194\"\u003eHemel-en-Aarde Ridge\u003c\/b\u003e, this premium \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"229\"\u003eWalker Bay white wine\u003c\/b\u003e offers depth, elegance, and pure class in a glass. On the nose there is a striking combination of vibrant grapefruit and fragrant green apple, layered with a subtle hint of rich honey. The palate carries a brilliant mineral tension and mouth-watering acidity, beautifully rounded out by a gentle sprinkling of cinnamon and sophisticated oak spice. It feels incredibly premium, crisp, and beautifully balanced from the first pour to the long, lingering finish. The Creation Reserve Chardonnay is an extraordinary food wine that would serve perfectly alongside a classic roast chicken with all the trimmings, a rich, buttery pan-fried sea bass, or seafood gratin. 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