DeMorgenzon DMZ Chardonnay (750ml)
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Wine Type
White Wine
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Size
750ml
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Vintage
2023
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Country
South Africa
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Region
Western Cape
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Sub-Region
Stellenbosch
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Grape
Chardonnay
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Farming Method
ConventionalMost products with this label come from producers who do their best to avoid any intervention at all but it’s possible that some of the aforementioned preventative measures and additions are deemed necessary. Learn More
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ABV
13.5%
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Food Pairing
PoultrySeafoodWarm Vegetable Dishes
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Vegan Friendly
Yes
Situated in Stellenbosch, DeMorgenzon (the morning sun) was purchased in 2003 by Wendy and Hylton Appelbaum and since then, they’ve transformed the estate into a 91ha “garden vineyard,” with 55ha dedicated to carefully tended vines. With parts of the estate ranging from 200m to 400m above sea level, the views of the mountains, the sea, and the surrounding area from the property heavily influenced what was planted and where; taking colours into account. Additionally, 10% of the estate has been set aside for the restoration of Renosterveld (a threatened habitat in the Cape Floral Kingdom), where 15ha of pine forest and other invasive species have been cleared and more is being done as necessary.
Reflected in their Maestro series, since 2009, Baroque and early Classical music has been played to their growing vines as well as in the winery and cellar; the estate reports positive results from playing harmonious music. Although the winery is most widely recognized for their estate grown Chenin Blanc, they also dabble in other Southern France varietals such as Roussane, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Marasanne, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Grenache.
Tasting Notes
A classic example of fine Stellenbosch Chardonnay, this wine shows stone fruit aromas of nectarine and peach with subtle citrus hints and creamy oak. The palate has bright acidity and limey freshness, but delivers rich texture and a chalky, mineral length.
Method
Each vineyard parcel was fermented separately, using a combination of natural yeast and careful inoculation. Of the grapes, 25% were left as whole bunch and 75% were lightly crushed and the juice was allowed to settle overnight. The wine was aged on its lees in a combination of stainless steel and French oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation commenced naturally in the barrel components but was blocked for those in stainless steel. After 7 months the final wine was blended before being stabilized, lightly filtered, and bottled.
Cheryl Kemp
Beautiful Chardonnay best I’ve tasted for a while