Technical Specifications
Alcohol 13.9%
Residual Sugar 3.1 g/L
pH 3.4
Total Acidity 6.2 g/L
Calories (estimated) 115 kcal / glass
150ml glass115 kcal
750ml bottle575 kcal
Grape Varieties Chardonnay
Chardonnay100%
Region Stellenbosch
Soil Weathered granite, Sandstone
Elevation 100.0 meters
Fermentation Vessels Stainless Steel, Oak Barrel
Pressing Method Whole Cluster
Natural Yeast Yes
Malolactic Fermentation 100%
Lees Aging 7 months
Oak Types French
Production Details The fruit for DMZ Chardonnay is selected from premium trellised vineyards in Stellenbosch at elevations of 100 to 300 meters above sea level, most with the cooling effects of the close proximity to the ocean. Components from weathered granite and sandstone soils in Stellenbosch all contribute to the elegance and minerality, as well as a fresh citrus and yellow apple character. 2019 was a cooler vintage than the previous hot and dry years. Whilst the vineyards benefited from decent winter rainfall there were some latent stress effects from the previous year’s drought conditions. This resulted in some uneven budding and careful harvesting was necessary to achieve a total pick of optimum ripeness. Cool conditions during the early part of the ripening resulted in high acidities and low pH, resulting in wines that are fresh, precise and bright. 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 was allowed to commence naturally in the barrel fermented portions. After 7 months, the various parcels were blended, before being stabilized, lightly filtered and bottled.
Tasting Notes
sweet vanilla, almonds, tropical fruit, white peach, apricot, grapefruit
Critics Ratings Tim Atkin MW: 90
Tim Atkin MW90
sourceSouth Africa Report 2019
vintage2018
Tim Atkin MW91
sourceSouth Africa Report 2018
vintage2017
Platter's Wine Guide4 Stars
vintage2018
Tim Atkin MW89
sourceSouth Africa Report 2017
vintage2016
Neal Martin for Robert Parker's Wine Advocate88
vintage2016
Platter's 4 Stars Platters Guide4 Stars
vintage2017
Tim Atkin MW89
sourceSouth Africa Report 2016
vintage2015
Tim Atkin MW90
sourceSouth Africa Report 2015
vintage2014
▸ Sources (1)
Producer Information
Website
Address
Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa