Waterford Estate, Heatherleigh NV

Description

PHILOSOPHY
At Waterford Estate, they embrace the harmonious collaboration between nature and the delicate balance of artistry and science to create truly authentic fine wines. Waterford wines embody a profound sense of place, culture, and an unwavering dedication to excellence.  With a deep-rooted belief in transcending boundaries, Waterford craft wines that offer a sensory journey, capturing the true essence of the Helderberg Mountain’s terroir.

A World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Conservation Champion and accredited Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) estate, Waterford also has Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trade Association (WIETA) accreditation and is a member of the Biodiversity in Wine Initiative (BWI).

CULTIVARS
55% Muscat de Alexandre, 30% Chardonnay, 12% Viognier & 3% Chenin Blanc,

VINIFICATION
The Heatherleigh natural sweet follows a Solera system, a continuous barrel ageing process that blends various vintages within the same group of barrels to ensure consistency and complexity in the wine. It is exclusively produced from grapes that have turned into raisins on the vine by pinching the stems of the grape bunches, preventing sap flow to the bunches.  Therefore, there is no influence from Botrytis, which would otherwise add too much richness and sweetness for what Waterford are looking for.

MATURATION
Follows a Solera system of barrel ageing 11 months in old oak, oak at least 10 years old

TASTING NOTE
The wine showcases perfumed notes of apricots and Muscat, resulting from a back blending of barrels in our Solera system. It offers a delightful infusion of depth, aged richness, and vibrant youthfulness. Careful blending and selection ensure low alcohol and low residual sugar content, creating a distinct character that pairs beautifully with Waterford Rose Geranium chocolate. Best
served chilled.

PAIRING SUGGESTION
Enjoy Waterford Heatherleigh alongside rose-geranium milk chocolate from chocolatier Richard von Geusau, available in the Waterford Estate tasting room and featured in their Wine & Chocolate experience. This pairing enhances the wine’s aromatic profile. Other pairing suggestions include complementing it with rich vanilla ice cream, a sprinkle of rock salt, and a drizzle of green olive oil for an exquisite balance. To complete your dessert experience, indulge in a Chardonnay poached pear tart with ice cream, beautifully highlighting the wine’s rich character.

AGEING POTENTIAL
5 – 25 years

WINE ANALYSIS
Alc 12.5%
TA 7.2 g/L
RS 132 g/L
pH 3.5

Additional information

Enjoy Waterford Heatherleigh alongside rose-geranium milk chocolate from chocolatier Richard von Geusau, available in the Waterford Estate tasting room and featured in their Wine & Chocolate experience. This pairing enhances the wine’s aromatic profile. Other pairing suggestions include complementing it with rich vanilla ice cream, a sprinkle of rock salt, and a drizzle of green olive oil for an exquisite balance. To complete your dessert experience, indulge in a Chardonnay poached pear tart with ice cream, beautifully highlighting the wine’s rich character.