2019 GRENACHE NOIR, DMZ, DeMorgenzon. Stellenbosch, S.A.

Stellenbosch has long been the Cape’s premium wine region. Now challenged by warm climate Swartland and cool climate coastal regions like Elgin, it can still produce top quality bottles and is perhaps working ever harder to do so.
What is perhaps unusual is to make wines in a bright, lively, ‘modern’ style, as this example.

100% Grenache, naturally fermented with wild yeasts and whole (un-crushed) berries (and a percentage of whole bunches). Matured for 18 months in French oak, (old 300 litre and 500 litre barrels). Bottled without fining and minimal filtration.

DeMorgenzon means ‘morning sun’; it is owned by the Applebaum family and has achieved huge recognition for its wines in the last 10 years. Winemaker (and winery manager) at the time of this vintage was the ultra-talented Carl van der Merwe (since when he has emigrated to Canada).

Lovely mix of richness and freshness – modern winemaking but with no sacrifice of hedonism.

Last few bottles left…