Crystallum was founded in 2007 by brothers Peter-Allan and Andrew Finlayson, continuing a family winemaking tradition in the cool-climate vineyards around Walker Bay. Ferrum is a single-vineyard Chardonnay from Crystallum’s own Shaw’s Mountain site in the Overberg, now formally recognised as a distinct winegrowing area. At around 220 metres above sea level and close to the coast, the vineyard benefits from cooling sea breezes and a relatively moderate climate, extending the ripening period and preserving acidity. Its iron-rich shale soils naturally restrict vine vigour while allowing the fruit to develop concentration and intensity. The vineyard is sustainably farmed, while Crystallum’s approach throughout the winery is deliberately low intervention, with native yeasts used for fermentation and an emphasis on expressing site rather than imposing a house style.
The 2024 Ferrum is 100% Chardonnay, whole-bunch pressed before the juice was allowed to settle overnight and transferred directly to barrel. Fermentation began spontaneously with native yeasts, followed by 10 months’ maturation in 500- and 600-litre French oak barrels, 20% of which were new. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation, contributing texture without sacrificing the natural freshness of the site. Aromatically, it combines pear, citrus, white flowers and fynbos with subtle flinty reduction, while the palate is taut and energetic, with concentrated fruit, fine texture and a distinctly pithy, mineral finish. Its combination of tension and depth makes it particularly well suited to oysters, scallops, lobster, grilled or roasted fish, roast chicken and creamy shellfish dishes. The 2024 has the concentration and acidity to develop beautifully in bottle over the coming years.