Product Description
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Gabriel & Gysbert, Ijsland, Chardonnay, 2023, Bonnievale, South Africa
Producer Profile
Pieter Willem Gabriel farmed in Bonnievale his whole life, he was a passionate farmer and loved viticulture. He had five children – three boys and two daughters. All three sons farm in Bonnievale, and Dirk Gysbert Van Renen grew up in the hamlet of Stormsvlei nearby. He was a distiller for Stellenbosch Farmers Winery before starting his own business in Bonnievale.
“Though my brother and I inherited their names, these wines are about them – born in remembrance of their legacy in Bonnievale.” – Pieter Rossouw
Born and raised in Bonnievale; Pieter has been a traveller for years.
After completing a B.Agric (Cellar Technology and Viticulture) at Elsenburg in Stellenbosch, Pieter undertook harvests and gained valuable winemaking skill far and wide. He spent time at some of South Africa’s champion wineries as well as in California, Germany, New Zealand and France, but the time he spent in New York was a highlight – this is where he fell in love with and specialised in cool climate varieties.
Pieter finally returned to South Africa in 2017, where he set out to fulfil his long-held dream of making wines he could truly call his own. Enter Gabriel & Gysbert.
Pieter believes that less is more when it comes to making great wines. The farm is uniquely located within the Robertson Wine Valley, and he showcases this in every wine he makes.
Viticulture
The Ijsland Chardonnay gets its name from the windswept hill where the grapes are planted.
The twin vineyards, located on the slopes of the Stormsvlei Mountains, were planted at an elevation of ±130m above sea level, in 2003 and 2004 respectively. Here, South-Easterly oceanic summer winds offer respite during hot ripening months.
The vineyards, one facing South-East, the other North-East, but both with North-South row directions, are planted in soils comprising decomposed shale and sandstone with a prominent quarts component.
Each block contributes a unique character and together, a vivacious harmony is captured in the bottle.
Winemaking
Grapes were hand harvested and immediately pressed on two separate dates. Using 225 litre French-Oak barrels, ranging between 4th and 6th fill, the juice was divided up into four barrels. Fermentation, over two separate factions, were done through yeast inoculation on half of the barrels and wild yeast fermentation on the remaining half. Cold-fermentation at around 16ºC, for about 10 days, were followed by maturation in the same barrels for 12 months. During the first 6 months of maturation, batonnage was done once a week.
Tasting Note
A pale golden colour with a clear, bright edge. On the nose the citrus characteristics are vibrant, combined with hints of yellow and stone fruit, are balanced by a lively acidity that tempts interest.
The palate has a rich entry that shows rich pineapple, apricot and peach flavours, resulting in a generous mid-palate weight. The richer notes are elegantly
lifted by a balanced acidity on the side-palate, emphasised through lighter aromatic notes of orange blossom and lemon rind.
Goes well with
The elegant wood maturation of this Chardonnay lends the wine to enjoyment with various dishes. Served between 7ºC to 12ºC, fresher aspects will marry seamlessly with white meat and fish dishes. Served warmer, between 13ºC to 16ºC, richer notes of the French-Oak become more pronounced, perfect for heartier dishes and red meat.
Cellaring
10 – 15 years with careful cellaring.
Don’t just take our word for it…
92 POINTS / GOLD Medal – Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge
GOLD Medal – Michelangelo International Wine & Spirit Competition
90/100 POINTS – winemag.co.za
“It follows the expressive style of previous years, citrus preserve, lemon meringue pie. Delicious tang from a touch of sugar/racy acid juxtaposition.” – 4 STARS / 86 POINTS, Platter Guide 2025
Features
Varieties: Chardonnay 100%
Colour: White
ABV: 14%
Closure: Natural Cork
Style: Still
Case Size: 6 x 75cl
Country: South Africa
Region: Bonnievale
Vintage: 2023
