Crystallam
Peter-Allan Finlayson is a name that resonates deeply within the South African wine community, not only for his exceptional skill as a winemaker but also as a torchbearer of the illustrious Finlayson winemaking legacy. A third-generation winemaker, Peter-Allan has carved his own path in the Walker Bay region, producing wines that are celebrated globally, with a particular emphasis on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
In 2007, Peter-Allan and his brother Andrew founded Crystallum, a family-run winery that initially produced a modest 4,000 bottles of Sauvignon Blanc. By the following vintage, they shifted their focus exclusively to Burgundy varietals, introducing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay into their portfolio. Today, Crystallum is synonymous with these elegant varietals, showcasing multi-vineyard blends and single-vineyard expressions that capture the essence of the Walker Bay terroir.
Peter-Allan’s journey into winemaking was somewhat unconventional. A graduate in philosophy and economics from Stellenbosch University, he initially pursued academic interests before yielding to the pull of winemaking. His father, Peter Finlayson, is a pioneer of Pinot Noir in the Hemel-en-Aarde region, and this heritage, combined with Peter-Allan’s philosophical approach to life, has deeply influenced his winemaking philosophy.
At the heart of Peter-Allan’s winemaking approach is a commitment to minimal intervention. “We only intervene where absolutely necessary,” he explains. “The whole philosophy is based on expressing the vineyard, the site, the terroir as much as possible through all the winemaking.” This ethos is especially evident in his Chardonnay production.
Walker Bay’s cool maritime climate and diverse soils provide the perfect canvas for Chardonnay. Peter-Allan leverages this unique terroir by employing techniques that preserve the purity of the fruit. Grapes are often hand-harvested to ensure optimal ripeness and treated gently throughout the winemaking process. Fermentations are conducted using native yeasts, and the use of oak is measured, allowing the natural acidity and minerality of the region to shine through.
The result is a lineup of Chardonnays that are vibrant, balanced, and complex, often exhibiting citrus and stone fruit notes layered with subtle hints of flint and a creamy texture. These wines reflect not only the land from which they come but also the meticulous care and respect with which they are made.
Peter-Allan’s craft is informed by a global perspective, gained through extensive travel and hands-on experience in some of the world’s most renowned wine regions. He has participated in multiple harvests in Burgundy, honing his skills in the birthplace of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Stints in Priorat, Spain, and visits to Portugal and Austria further deepened his appreciation for the diversity of winemaking techniques and terroirs.
In 2014, Peter-Allan joined Gabriëlskloof, a neighboring estate, where he continues to craft Crystallum wines while further solidifying his reputation as a winemaker of note.
Under Peter-Allan’s stewardship, Crystallum has earned acclaim for its meticulous attention to detail and unwavering focus on quality. The winery’s Chardonnays, in particular, have become benchmarks for the variety in South Africa, celebrated for their ability to rival top examples from Burgundy.
Peter-Allan’s contribution to South African wine goes beyond the bottles he produces. As part of the Finlayson family, he upholds a legacy of innovation and excellence that has helped elevate the country’s reputation on the global wine stage. Through Crystallum, he continues to redefine what is possible with Chardonnay, proving that South Africa is capable of producing world-class expressions of this iconic varietal.
