Technical Specifications
Alcohol 14.0%
Residual Sugar 2.4 g/L
pH 3.28
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
Natural Yeast Yes
Oak Aging 7 months
Lees Aging 4 months
Oak Types French
Production Details The fruit for DMZ Chardonnay is selected from premium trellised vineyards in the Western Cape at elevations of 100 to 200 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, Durbanville and Elgin all contribute to the elegance and minerality, as well as a fresh citrus and yellow apple character. 2014 was a cooler than normal year with high levels of rainfall in spring and early summer. Higher than normal crop levels were carefully managed to ensure correct balance. Some selective harvesting and careful bunch sorting in the cellar was necessary. Optimally ripe fruit with no raisins were harvested between 22.5º and 23º balling. 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. A small percentage of malolactic fermentation was allowed. After 4 months, the various parcels were blended, then aged for a further 3 months before being stabilized, lightly filtered and bottled.
Tasting Notes
Nose: vanilla, almonds, tropical fruit, delicate oak
Palate: rich fruit, white peach, apricot, grapefruit, vanilla
Critics Ratings Tim Atkin MW's South African Report 2015: 90
Tim Atkin MW's South African Report 201590
Stephen Tanzer's Wine Cellar88
▸ Sources (1)
Producer Information
Website
Address
Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa