The Producer
Stettyn Family Vineyards is one of the Breede River Valley’s most storied estates, with roots stretching back to 1714. Acquired by the Botha family in 1818, the estate has been lovingly farmed for eight generations. Today, under the guidance of winemaker JM Crafford and CEO Sarel Meyer, 438 hectares of vineyard thrive in the sheltered valley between Villiersdorp and Worcester. The Petra Amphora Chardonnay is part of the Signature Reserve range — created in loving memory of Petra Griessel, a cherished matriarch whose elegance and wisdom continue to inspire the family. This wine has earned an SA Terroir Award, affirming its exceptional sense of place.
Vintage & Terroir
The 2024 vintage Chardonnay was grown in select vineyard blocks in the Worcester ward, where warm days and cool mountain-fed evenings create the ideal conditions for Chardonnay to develop both ripe fruit intensity and elegant structure. The deep alluvial soils of the Breede River Valley lend a mineral backbone to the wine, while the surrounding mountains provide shelter from harsh winds.
In the Cellar
This is no ordinary Chardonnay. After careful whole-bunch pressing, the juice was fermented and then matured for a full 20 months in a combination of clay amphora and used French oak barrels. The amphora — an ancient winemaking vessel experiencing a global renaissance — imparts a unique textural quality and preserves the purest expression of fruit, while the oak adds subtle complexity and structure. The result is a wine of remarkable depth and individuality.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Rich golden hue with delicate amber reflections, a testament to its extended amphora and oak maturation.
Nose: Crisp green apple and delicate pear lead, layered with vanilla, toasted almond and a subtle honeyed richness from the amphora ageing.
Palate: Full-bodied and luxuriously textured, with concentrated stone fruit, citrus and baked apple flavours. The amphora lends a distinctive silky mouthfeel, while fine oak integration adds length and elegance.
Finish: Long and complex, with lingering citrus, almond and a gentle mineral undertow.
Food Pairing
A wine of this stature deserves equally memorable food — pair with pan-seared linefish in a lemon butter sauce, roast chicken with truffle mash, or a rich seafood thermidor. Equally stunning with aged Gruyère or a creamy mushroom risotto. Serve at 10–12°C.
Technical Details
| Vintage | 2024 |
| Region | Worcester, Breede River Valley |
| Grape(s) | 100% Chardonnay |
| Alcohol | 13.5% |
| Maturation | 20 months in amphora & used French oak |
| Closure | Cork |
| Award | SA Terroir Award |
| Cellaring | Enjoy now or cellar for 5–8 years |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Case Size | 6 bottles |
Our Guarantee
Every case of Stettyn Petra Amphora Chardonnay 2024 is backed by our 100% Happiness Assured! Guarantee. If you’re not completely delighted, get in touch and we’ll make it right — no fuss, no fine print, just great wine and happy customers.
