DMZ Chardonnay

This Chardonnay pairs well with poultry, seafood, and warm vegetable dishes.

De Morgenzon is Dutch for the morning sun a fitting name for this boutique property high on the Stellenboschkloof which is the first to be touched by the rising sun's rays. De Morgenzon's high altitude vineyards command sweeping views of Table Mountain and Cape Point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Embracing the philosophy that a biodiverse and ecologically sensitive environment produces infinitely better grapes proprietors Wendy and Hylton Appelbaum have established De Morgenzon as a 91 hectare garden interspersed with 55 hectares of carefully tended vineyards where abundant wildflowers flourish between the vines. The vineyards are currently farmed naturally and the estate is in the process of converting to organic farming.

The vines are selected from premium sites in Stellenbosch, situated at elevations between 100 to 300 meters above sea level. Proximity to the ocean provides a beneficial cooling effect, while weathered granite and sandstone soils contribute to the wine's minerality and freshness.

The wine was aged on its lees in a combination of stainless steel and French oak barrels for seven months, enhancing its complexity and mouthfeel.

Each vineyard parcel was fermented separately, utilizing a combination of natural yeast and careful inoculation. Approximately 25% of the grapes were left as whole bunches, and 75% were lightly crushed, with the juice 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 seven months, the final wine was blended, stabilized, lightly filtered, and bottled.