Altitude and Climate
High on the Witzenberg Mountain range is the Ceres Plateau, at an altitude of 960m above sea level, this unique appellation exhibits South Africa’s only truly continental climate with winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. The cooler night-time temperatures and hotter daytime temperatures during the growing season result in slower ripening, more concentrated fruit. Ceres fruit displays surprising cooler climate characteristics in comparison to other regions of the Western Cape.
Distinctive Soil and Winter Dormancy
Well-drained, soft, yellow shale soils. In winter, the land is often covered with a layer of snow which provides the perfect conditions for dormancy of the vines, a much-needed resting and recovery period before the growth season starts.
Crafting De Grendel's Reserve Chardonnay
Handpicked at the break of dawn, carefully selected grapes are de-stemmed, crushed and lightly pressed at De Grendel with a recovery of only 650 litres per ton. After two days of settling, the juice is inoculated and transferred to 225l French oak barrels for fermentation of which 1/3 are new, 1/3 are second fill and 1/3 are third fill. The wine is barrel aged sur lie for 5 months whilst undergoing batonnage - the technique of stirring the lees - takes place twice a week before malolactic fermentation and once a month after malolactic fermentation to enhance the mouth feel and structure of the wine.
