Warren's White Wine of the Month

De Meye Unwooded Chardonnay 2009

This 100% Chardonnay grape variety from Stellenbosch offers the tantalising aromas of pears, pineapple and apricot characterise with clean, fresh with mineral hints. The clean palate offers suggestions of apricot and pineapple following through from the nose. Fruit and acidity are in perfect balance. R99 per bottle available on the Wasabi Cellar Selection Board.

Background
De Meye, named after the De Meye River in Holland is where the first Myburgh who came to South Africa in 1665 used to live. The farm is situated in Stellenbosch, sub region known as Greater Simonsberg, one of South Africa's most prestigious wine making areas. Previously, all the grapes were sold, but in 1997 it was decided to renovate some of the old buildings and to produce our own, uniquely styled wines.

De Meye is proud to be part of the South African wine industry and continually drives towards producing "wines of distinction" and excellence that has characterized the wines from Stellenbosch and specifically our privately owned wine farms, which undoubtedly are the heartbeat of this magnificent region.

Grape Variety
100% Chardonnay

Appellation
Stellenbosch

Chemical Analysis
Alcohol – 12.5 vol%
pH – 3.6
Acidity – 5.9 g/l
Res. sugar – 1.0 g/l

Winemaker
Marcus Milner

Climate
Mediterranean–rainfall  650mm per annum. Vineyards are situated on De Meye in the western part of the Muldersvlei region, north of Stellenbosch. The vineyard faces south-east and a cool westerly wind during the ripening period months ensures healthy balanced grapes.

Soil
Rich fertile soil, create ideal conditions for healthy, ripe grapes.

Vinification/Maturation
Grapes were hand picked from vines with a yield of approximately 7 tons per hectare and at a sugar level of 23ºB. Fermented in stainless steel tanks and then left on the lees for a few days to add structure to the palate.

Tasting Notes
Aroma – Tantalising aromas of pears, pineapple and apricot characterise this wine. Clean and fresh with mineral hints. Palate – Again, clean palate with suggestions of apricot and pineapple following through from the nose. Fruit and acidity are in perfect balance.

Food and Serving Suggestions
Best served chilled, accompanying a fresh garden salad, oysters, sushi, fish, light creamy pastas and chicken dishes.

Website
www.demeye.co.za