Origin
Translated, DeMorgenzon means simply ‘the morning sun’ and was so named because it is the first part of the Stellenboschkloof Valley to see the sun due to its high altitude and aspect. The vineyards cover the top southern and eastern slopes of Ribbokkop, overlooking the pinnacle of Kanonkop from where a cannon was fired to alert the farms in the region that a ship had put into Table Bay. Soils are mostly weathered granite which gives the resultant wines a natural exuberance and youthful vigour.
Producer
DeMorgenzon is a rapidly rising star of South Africa, let alone Stellenbosch. Attention to detail and perfectionist standards have elevated DeMorgenzon’s reputation since Hylton and Wendy Applebaum’s acquisition of the estate in 2003. Carle van der Merwe joined as head winemaker in 2010 – and although already highly regarded, it has been his working partnership with farm manager Danie de Waal that has taken quality to a new level.
Grape Variety
100% Chardonnay
The grapes were hand-picked and whole bunch pressed. Juice was transferred to French oak barrels (40% new) with minimal settling, where fermentation occurred naturally. About 35% of the volume completed malolactic fermentation during an 11 month ageing on the gross lees. The wine was bottled with minimal stabilisation and clarified without filtration.
Food Match
Ideal combination to mild, buttery or creamy meaty fish dishes (halibut, cod) and shellfish (lobster, shrimp, crab, scallops.). Pair also with subtly flavored, simply seasoned poultry and pork dishes.
Alcohol Percentage
13.8%
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