Chardonnay Capel Vale Wines 1996
This 1996 white wine is produced by Capel Vale Wines under their C'V brand. It originates from Western Australia, specifically utilizing grapes grown in the producer's own vineyards located across the cool south west of the region. Capel Vale selectively plants each grape variety in the specific areas best suited to its cultivation.
The wine is made entirely from Chardonnay, which is one of the world's most recognized green grapes and is known for being crafted in a wide variety of styles. While typically associated with renowned wine regions such as Burgundy, Champagne, California, and Oregon, this Australian expression is notably produced as an unwooded Chardonnay.
Bottled at 13.5% alcohol by volume, this 1996 vintage comes in a standard 750ml format.
The history of the wine
Below, you can delve into the history of this wine — its producer, grape, area, and region.
Western Australia
Western Australia is Australia's largest state and covers the western third of the continent. Despite the state's enormous area, commercial wine production is almost exclusively concentrated in the southwestern corner. Recognized subregions such as Margaret River, Great Southern, Swan Valley and Mount Barker are located here. Although Western Australia only accounts for a small percentage of the country's total wine production, the region has established itself as one of Australia's most significant areas for quality wine.
The climate in the southwestern wine areas is a classic Mediterranean climate, which is strongly influenced by the maritime location facing the Indian Ocean and the Southern Ocean. The area experiences warm, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. During the growing season, the high temperatures are moderated by cooling sea breezes, which creates a more temperate and stable climate compared to many of Australia's warmer inland regions.
The wine tradition in Western Australia began in 1829 with the first plantings in Swan Valley. In the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, a significant development occurred when agricultural research identified the cooler southwestern coastal areas as ideal for viticulture. This led to the founding of areas such as Margaret River and Great Southern. Today, the region's vineyards are especially planted with grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Riesling, and the industry is largely driven by smaller, specialized wineries.
When this wine was made, the world looked very different. Here are some of the stories that unfolded while this bottle quietly aged in its cellar.
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How it handles
you your wine
Storage
Store the bottle horizontally at 12–14°C and avoid direct sunlight, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations.
Opening
Allow the bottle to stand upright for 24–48 hours before opening to allow sediment to settle. Use a professional corkscrew and open carefully.
Enjoyment
Serve at 17–18°C and be patient – there is a great difference in how and how quickly wines open up when they are aerated.
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