Morgenster Estate was established in 1711 and under Giulio Bertrand’s ownership has become internationally acclaimed for its Bordeaux style reds. Bertrand used the occasion of the Estate’s 300th anniversary to produce his first white wine. Made in the classic Bordeaux style, Morgenster White 2011 is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes from vineyards in the Schapenberg area, within a kilometre of Morgenster’s cellar.

Winemaker Henry Kotzé followed the same principles of what people expect to find in a Morgenster Red Blend: elegance in concentration, complexity and longevity. The wine has all the makings of a great partner to the Morgenster Bordeaux blends in terms of ageability and the Estate is looking forward to its development in future years. Some 3000 bottles are available.
Delicious on its own and a perfect partner to food, this white will be a lunch and book club hostess’ delight, taking the ladies from starters through to milk tart with maximum enjoyment in between.

 VINEYARD

Stellenbosch

REGION

Stellenbosch

VINTAGE CONDITIONS

December 2010 was the windiest in 50 years, contributing to drying out of the vineyards. 2011 started out very dry with no rain falling in the New Year and very little after veraison. This required close monitoring of stress levels of the vines. Higher stress levels were maintained and irrigation was only done in extreme cases.

 GRAPE VARIETY

Sauvignon Blanc 55%

Semillon 45%

WINE ANALYSIS

Alc / Vol: 13.32%

pH: 3.28

Titratable acidity: 7.1 g/l

Volatile Acidity 0.62 g/l

Extract: 26.3 g/l

Residual sugar: 3.1 g/l

Winemaker: Henry Kotze

FOOD MATCHES

A food loving wine, Morgenster White 2009 is a perfect match for seafood like raw oysters, mussels cooked in white wine, seared tuna, salmon, grilled fish and sushi. It is a feisty accompaniment to roast pork and holds its own with soft and ripe, or matured and hard, cheese. It is luscious with tomato dishes like Melanzane, pasta and pesto, or mixed salads.

 WINEMAKER COMMENTS

COLOUR:

Sparkling, royal gold, with green hue.

NOSE:

Starting off ripe and fresh, with notes of rock melon, papaya and litchi followed by aromas of flinty, gravelly, fresh wet earth.

PALATE:

Very well poised, perfectly integrated oaking with balanced ripeness and minerality playing off each other. Melt in your mouth acidity with great staying power adds a well crafted focus and length.

Awards: Classic Wine Magazine: TOP 6 Award;

Platter rating: 3,5

http://www.morgenster.co.za/