2019 Paul Cluver Clüver Prieur Colline du Matin Chardonnay

Paul Clüver and Martin Prieur – a special collaboration

The 2019 Clüver Prieur Colline du Matin Chardonnay is a special wine that symbolizes the friendship between two wine families: Paul Clüver from South Africa and Martin Prieur of Domaine Jacques Prieur in Burgundy. Both share the same philosophy: to craft terroir-driven wines that demonstrate elegance, balance, and refinement. This collaboration brings together the cool climate of Elgin and the centuries-old tradition of Burgundy in a single glass. The partnership began over ten years ago, stemming from a shared passion for Chardonnay and the conviction that Elgin is the perfect region for this grape. Clüver and Prieur work together in the vineyard and cellar, combining expertise and style. The result is a wine that combines the finesse of Burgundy with the energy and excitement of South Africa.

The name "Colline du Matin" literally means "Morning Hill" in French. It refers to the cool, crisp mornings when the grapes slowly warm up—precisely what creates the tension, freshness, and refined acidity so characteristic of this wine. This collector's item is created when Paul Cluver selects his best barriques from the vineyard, and Martin Prieur does the same. Only these two barriques are then blended, and only these may bear the name Clüver Prieur Colline du Matin. This is only done in the best years, such as 2019. They didn't make any wine in 2020, 2021, 22, or 2023, and the next vintage won't be until 2024.

the Paul Clüver winery - pioneer in cool climate wine growing

Paul Clüver Family Wines is a family-owned winery operating in the Elgin Valley, east of Stellenbosch, since 1896. Originally, the family farmed fruit, but in the 1980s they also decided to produce wine. Paul Clüver was one of the first producers to recognize Elgin's potential as a cool-climate wine region. The winery is now considered a pioneer and benchmark for elegant Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in South Africa. The De Rust estate is sustainably certified, and more than half of the property is nature reserve. The combination of altitude, misty mornings, and the cooling influence of the Atlantic Ocean makes Elgin ideal for wines with crisp acidity, mineral tension, and longevity.

the Elgin region - South Africa's coolest wine region

Elgin is South Africa's coolest wine region, situated at an altitude of around 350 meters. Clüver's vineyards are situated on southwest-facing slopes, where ocean winds and cold nights create a significant temperature difference between day and night. This "diurnal variation" is essential: it slows ripening, preserves natural acidity, and creates intense aromas and precision in the wine. The soil consists primarily of Bokkeveld shale and weathered sandstone, with excellent drainage. This gives Clüver's Chardonnay its characteristic tension, minerality, and finesse. In this terroir, the grape finds a perfect balance between ripe fruit and vibrant freshness.

harvest and vinification of the Clüver Prieur Chardonnay 2019

The grapes for this wine come from a vineyard planted with Chardonnay clones 9, 76, 95, 277, and 548. The planting density is 4,000 vines per hectare. The harvest took place early in the morning on February 18, 2019, to preserve freshness. The grapes were stored in cold storage after harvest to prevent oxidation. The vinification is careful and entirely focused on purity and balance. The grapes were pressed as whole bunches, and the must was allowed to settle overnight without fining agents. The wine was then fermented in French oak barrels—50% new, 25% second-use, and the rest third-use. The wine remained on the fine lees for nine months without the addition of sulfites and was occasionally stirred (bâtonnage) for added depth. After extensive tasting and blending, the best barrels were combined, and the wine was bottled. The wine contains 12.89% alcohol, 6.9 g/l total acidity, 2.0 g/l residual sugar and a pH of 3.26 – figures that reflect a refined, fresh style.

tasting notes

The 2019 Clüver Prieur Colline du Matin Chardonnay displays a bright, pale yellow color with a subtle golden glow. The nose combines citrus blossom, tangerine, lime, and delicate mineral notes, with nuances of toasted brioche, vanilla pod, and almond flakes. On the palate, it is rich and elegant, with a fine, fresh acidity that lends tension and length. The wine feels creamy yet remains taut and precise thanks to Elgin's cool influence. The finish is long, refined, and slightly salty—a testament to the unique terroir. The balance of fruit, oak, and acidity makes this Chardonnay complex, yet never heavy.

availability

This 2019 edition of Clüver Prieur Colline du Matin is special because it was only produced in a limited edition. The wine was produced in 2019, but it isn't expected at Grand Crus until around December 2025. The next vintage they've made will be the 2024, and it won't be available for several years. This long production cycle underscores the wine's exclusive character: each edition is a snapshot of the terroir and the collaboration between Elgin and Burgundy.

Would you like to order Paul Clüver wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send this to you when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. ( https://www.grandcruwijnen.nl/bezoek-ons ) You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. ( https://www.grandcruwijnen.nl/sommy )

wine and food pairings with this Chardonnay

• Baked sea bass with lemon butter and dill – the fresh acidity and salty aftertaste enhance the delicate fish flesh.
• Lobster with vanilla butter sauce – the creamy texture of the wine complements the luscious sauce perfectly.
• Veal oyster with mushrooms and truffle – the subtle wood tones and mineral structure support the earthy flavours.
• Grilled chicken with lemon thyme and roasted vegetables – the fruity freshness keeps the dish lively and balanced.
• Lobster and Saffron Risotto – the round mouthfeel and refined acidity combine elegantly with the rich flavors.
• Salad with goat cheese, walnuts and orange – the citrus aromas and acidity perfectly bring together the fresh elements.