DMZ Chenin Blanc

This Chenin Blanc pairs well with a variety of dishes, including seafood, poultry, and light salads, complementing its crisp and refreshing profile.

Sourced exclusively from DeMorgenzon’s own Chenin Blanc vineyards. Southerly and South-Easterly aspect vines overlooking False Bay are managed for optimal exposure to gentle morning sunshine. Granatic soils result in grapes with excellent natural acidity and flavour concentration, a trait further enhanced by our intentionally low yields. An unusually wet winter was followed by a cool Spring resulting in delayed budburst of about 2-3 weeks, compared to the previous season. The delay in budburst meant our vines weren’t at risk to early season disease pressure. We experienced a moderate summer with a few intermittent heat spikes, which meant careful canopy management was necessary to protect the bunches from sunburn.

Cool, early morning harvested grapes were whole bunch pressed, with the juice going to barrel on the same day. Fermentation occurred spontaneously in primarily old French oak barrels, with 10% new oak. Resulting wines were allowed to mature off their gross lees for 4 months, before light racking and commencement of its blending.

A hidden garden vineyard deep in the Stellenbosch Kloof, with sweeping views across False Bay to Cape Town, lies DeMorgenzon - a name derived from Dutch origin for “the morning sun.” From its hilltop manor, this prestigious and graceful family estate is home to Wendy and Hylton Appelbaum. Classical music drifts through the garden vineyards. The earth has music for those who listen. Viticulturally, DeMorgenzon has predominantly south-facing slopes create a cooler microclimate in an otherwise warm region. This allows for the production of finely poised, ethereal Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay, as well as sophisticated, highly aromatic Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. In keeping with their vinous philosophy, the estate is farmed regeneratively, fostering biodiversity and soil vitality to create a balanced, living ecosystem in the vineyards.