2017 DeMorgenzon DMZ Rose

TASTING NOTES: Moderate blush tones. This crowd-pleasing rosé displays alluring aromas and juicy flavors of cherries and strawberry nose, followed by crispy summer fruit salad palate. The pallet is accented with delicate floral and spice nuances. The balance is perfect with a crisp, dry finish.

Winemaker:     Carl van der Merwe

Varietal blend:     41% Syrah, 22% Grenache Noir,18% Mourvèdre, 16% Cinsault, 3% Viognier

Appellation:  Stellenbosch

Alcohol content     13.79 %

TA     5.0 g/L

pH     3.37

RS     1.0 g/L

VINEYARDS: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Viognier vineyards are grown on weathered granite soils in Stellenbosch. Trellised and bush vine vineyards are managed to ensure natural high acidity and full flavor concentration. Fruiting zones are managed to encourage sunlight exposure onto the grapes allowing grapes to be harvested earlier with a lower sugar level and good flavor development.

VINTAGE: 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. The grapes were handpicked and selected in the early morning at between 21º and 22º Balling.

VINIFICATION AND MATURATION: Bunch selection was done in the vineyard. Grapes were partially whole bunch pressed, the balance de-stemmed and the juice left for 2-3 hours of skin contact before being drained, blended and fermented. This elegant style wine was partially matured in old oak barrels for a few months for added complexity and body.