Melissa’s mother always encouraged her to be uncompromising and expansive in her vision. Initially, Melissa had her sights set on taking to the skies but was unsure how to pursue this dream. Following an inspiring chat with her mother, she decided to become a pilot. These days, while not averse to flying, Melissa prefers to keep her feet firmly on the ground ( favouring the countryside! ) Melissa tells us; It was from this encouragement to think big that Genevieve was created. If I live to enjoy it, why not make it?
The search for the perfect terroir and quality grapes led Melissa to Bot River, and there she discovered a beautiful pocket of Chardonnay, located in the Van der Stel Pass. Determined from the outset to make a sparkling wine of unsurpassed quality, and to continue to do so each year, Melissa’s original vision soon became a well-received reality. The first vintage produced in 2008 and released in 2010. After a very successful year, Melissa decided to double production and make this her business.
Old Chardonnay vineyards with quality yields and then extensive time on the lees ensures elegant characteristics and style as well as increased availability. In 2017, a combined need of wanting to create a home for Genevieve MCC to host visitors and a fondness of the valley lead us to purchasing this farm. We continue to develop the farm with the same passion as we make the Genevieve MCC, with lots of love, hard work and time for pleasure to enjoy where we are and who we are.
100% Chardonnay 2016 Bot River, Overberg, Western Cape, South Africa. 14 500 Bottles
CELLAR TREATMENT: ” My philosophy is vigilant attention and consideration in the vineyard with minimal but concise intervention in cellar, allowing each vintage to express itself from grape to bottle. Whole bunch pressing ensuring quality juice. 4 years yeast contact time before disgorgement ” – Mellisa ‘Genevieve’ Nelson