The Divas Chenin Blanc, DeMorgenzon
From a special parcel of low-yielding vines planted in 1972; in 2018 a massal selection of genetic material from The Divas vines was sent away for multiplication, to secure a unique provenance for DeMorgenzon Chenin Blanc in the years to come.
A wine of incredible density and precision. A hint of yellow suggests sun ripened berries, with a bright green hue promising freshness. Aromas of lime blossom, white peach, caramel and brioche are followed by a poised palate with an extremely concentrated core.
(Magnums available - enquire for vintage)
Technical analysis
ALCOHOL
13.8 %
RESIDUAL SUGAR
2.0 g/L
pH
3.38
ACIDITY
6.7 g/L
ORIGIN
South Africa
WINEMAKER
Carl van der Merwe
VARIETY
Chenin Blanc
FINED USING
Isinglass
TIME IN OAK
10 months
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION
No
CLOSURE
Cork
BOTTLE SIZE
75cl
REGION
Stellenbosch
VEGETARIAN
No
VEGAN
No
Vintage conditions
On the back of a cold and wet winter, the 2020 growing season began very early, with homogenous budburst and even shoot growth. Summer was relatively mild, without the heatwaves often experienced in the Cape. The resultant crop retained high levels of natural acidity and abundant concentration of flavour. Particularly exceptional are the white wines of 2020.
Vinification details
The grapes were picked in two different passes from a particular part of the old vineyard. The grapes were handpicked in the early morning hours, with bunch selection done in the vineyard, and a final selection in the winery. Fruit was cooled down and then gently pressed, whole bunch, and the juice was settled overnight without the use of settling enzymes. Fermentation occurred naturally in French oak barrels (40% new), using indigenous yeasts, with no malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged on its lees in barrel for 10 months, without bâtonnage, followed by a further ageing in concrete egg for 6 months, before being bottled without filtration.
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Rich, dense yet remarkably elegant, with focus and minerality and a finish that lasts for a minute.
Tim Atkin MW
The Divas Chenin Blanc, DeMorgenzon
From a special parcel of low-yielding vines planted in 1972; in 2018 a massal selection of genetic material from The Divas vines was sent away for multiplication, to secure a unique provenance for DeMorgenzon Chenin Blanc in the years to come.
A wine of incredible density and precision. A hint of yellow suggests sun ripened berries, with a bright green hue promising freshness. Aromas of lime blossom, white peach, caramel and brioche are followed by a poised palate with an extremely concentrated core.
Technical analysis
ALCOHOL
14.3 %
RESIDUAL SUGAR
2.9 g/L
pH
3.42
ACIDITY
6.4 g/L
ORIGIN
South Africa
WINEMAKER
Carl van der Merwe
VARIETY
Chenin Blanc
FINED USING
Isinglass
TIME IN OAK
10 months
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION
No
CLOSURE
Cork
BOTTLE SIZE
75cl
REGION
Stellenbosch
VEGETARIAN
No
VEGAN
No
Vintage conditions
2017 was another hot and dry vintage in the Cape. Although the day time temperatures were warm, evening temperatures were much cooler than normal resulting in wines with incredible weight and texture, yet with great acidity and length. The dryness of the season resulted in minimal disease pressure with fruit arriving at the winery in very good condition.
Vinification details
The grapes were picked in two different passes from a particular part of the old vineyard. The grapes were handpicked in the early morning hours, with bunch selection done in the vineyard, and a final selection in the winery. Fruit was cooled down and then gently pressed, whole bunch, and the juice was settled overnight without the use of settling enzymes. Fermentation occurred naturally in French oak barrels (40% new), using indigenous yeasts, with no malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged on its lees in barrel for 10 months, without bâtonnage, followed by a further ageing in concrete egg for 6 months, before being bottled without filtration.
Awards
Tim Atkin MW: 98 pts
Platter: 5*
Greg Sherwood MW: 97 pts
Green credentials
Accredited Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) estate.
Contact us to discuss