VINEYARDS

The vines used to produce DMZ Chardonnay are selected from premium sites in Stellenbosch at elevations ranging between 100 to 300 meters above sea level. Close proximity to the ocean provides a beneficial cooling effect. Weathered granite and sandstone soils contribute minerality and freshness, respectively.

VINTAGE

A cool Spring led to a later than usual bud break that was about 2- 3 weeks later than the previous season. The cool weather did cause some issues with uneven budding in Chardonnay however, we were able to mitigate the worst of that with very late pruning. The cool Spring was interspersed with fairly regular rain showers which meant the soil moisture content remained healthy further into the season and by in large we had good healthy vineyard canopies. The regular rain fall did keep our viticultural team on their toes as the disease pressure was higher than normal however, meticulous planning and careful canopy management meant that we arrived at harvest with very healthy fruit.

VINIFICATION AND MATURATION

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 commenced naturally in the barrel components but was blocked for those in stainless steel. After 7 months the final wine was before being stabilized, lightly filtered, and bottled.

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