Elegant single-vineyard Chardonnay from South Africa’s cool-climate highlands – with precision, minerality and impressive ageing potential
Crystallum Ferrum Chardonnay is a terroir-driven wine from the iron-rich soils of Shaw’s Mountain, just outside the acclaimed Hemel-en-Aarde region in South Africa. This high-altitude, south-facing vineyard produces Chardonnay grapes of exceptional concentration and character, shaped by the unique shale and clay soils with a high iron content – hence the name Ferrum, Latin for iron.
The wine is made by brothers Peter-Allan and Andrew Finlayson, third-generation winemakers from one of South Africa’s most respected wine families. Their father, Peter Finlayson, pioneered cool-climate winemaking in the region and helped put South African Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the international map. Today, Crystallum is a boutique winery renowned for its elegant, site-expressive wines made with minimal intervention and great respect for nature.
The grapes for Ferrum are hand-harvested and whole-bunch pressed. Fermentation occurs spontaneously using indigenous yeasts, followed by 10 months of ageing in French oak barrels (300–500 L), around 20% of which are new. This traditional Burgundian approach results in a wine of tension, elegance, and complexity.
On the nose, Ferrum reveals aromas of lime leaf, jasmine, green stone fruit, and flinty minerality. The palate is bright and layered, showing flavours of pear, quince, subtle honey and anis, balanced by fresh acidity and a saline, mineral-driven finish. The wine is precise and mouthcoating, with great length and finesse.
Crystallum Ferrum Chardonnay has received glowing reviews from international critics. Both Tim Atkin MW and Christian Eedes have awarded it 95 points, highlighting its structure, freshness and ageing potential. It stands as a South African counterpart to great white Burgundy – with its own distinctive character.
Serving suggestion:
Serve at 8–10 °C. Perfect with shellfish, grilled fish, scallops, lemon-roasted chicken, or vegetarian dishes with nuts and herbs. Also excellent with aged cheeses like Comté or mature goat cheese.
Wine facts:
Producer: Crystallum Wines
Region: Shaw’s Mountain, Western Cape, South Africa
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol: Approx. 13.5%
Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation, 10 months in French oak (20% new)
Style: Elegant, mineral, cellar-worthy
Cellaring: Drink now or cellar up to 8–10 years
Crystallum Ferrum Chardonnay is a world-class example of South African winemaking at its finest – combining purity, craftsmanship, and a deep sense of place.
