DMZ Syrah

De Morgenzon’s DMZ Syrah generally pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted meats (such as lamb, beef, or game), hearty stews, and mature or intensely flavored cheeses—complemented by the wine’s rich fruit and spicy complexity.

The Syrah grapes for DMZ Syrah are sourced from vineyards on De Morgenzon farm in Stellenboschkloof, Stellenbosch, planted circa 2004. These vineyards are situated on weathered granite soils, producing wines with natural exuberance, youthful vigour, high acidity, and concentrated flavor.

Maturation took place in small French oak barrels, large foudres, and cement tanks over approximately 12 months. The oak integration is described as gentle, lending elegance and roundness to the wine at this early stage.

Grapes were hand-harvested and destalked, with a small percentage of whole bunches included. Fermentation was spontaneous in stainless‑steel tanks at temperatures between 22 °C and 27 °C, using gentle punch‑downs. After malolactic fermentation, the wine was matured for around 12 months in a combination of small French oak barrels, large 3000 L foudres, and cement tanks.

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.