2024 Paul Cluver Clüver Prieur Colline du Matin Chardonnay

A refined South African Chardonnay with tension, minerality, and a striking Burgundian character.

Winery

Paul Cluver is one of South Africa's most respected wine producers and is regarded as a pioneer of the cool Elgin wine region. The family business is located approximately 70 kilometers east of Cape Town and is known for its focus on terroir, sustainability, and precision. Thanks to its relatively cool location, Paul Cluver produces wines with striking freshness and elegance. The Clüver Prieur series pays tribute to the historical ties between the Cluver family and the Burgundian wine tradition. You can find more information about this winery in the Winery tab.

Origin and terroir

The grapes for Colline du Matin come from Elgin, one of the coolest wine regions in South Africa. The vineyards are situated at altitude and benefit from cooling influences from the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, the grapes ripen slowly and retain their natural freshness. The soils consist primarily of weathered sandstone and clay, which contributes to the minerality and structure of the wine. The cool climate makes Elgin particularly suitable for high-quality Chardonnay.

Grapes and vineyard management

This wine is made from 100% Chardonnay. In the vineyards, the emphasis is on a sustainable approach where the health of the soil and the plant is central. Through careful foliage management and precise selection of the grapes, an optimal balance between ripeness, concentration, and freshness is achieved. The relatively cool conditions ensure that the grapes retain their aromatic tension without becoming overripe.

Vinification and aging

After the harvest, the grapes are carefully pressed to preserve the purity of the fruit. Fermentation takes place with great attention to detail and terroir expression. Part of the wine ages in French oak barrels, while another part is aged in neutral barrels to preserve freshness and precision. During aging, sur lie maturation contributes extra depth, texture, and complexity. The oak influence remains subtly present and supports the wine without dominating the Chardonnay.

Color, smell and taste

In the glass, the wine displays a bright golden-yellow color. The nose opens with aromas of citrus, lemon peel, white peach, and ripe apple. Additionally, nuances of white flowers, almond, brioche, and wet stone are present. On the palate, the wine combines a lively freshness with a refined creaminess. The structure is tight and mineral, while the ripe fruit provides balance and depth. The finish is long, clean, and elegant.

Style and character

Colline du Matin demonstrates why Elgin is currently considered one of the best Chardonnay regions in the Southern Hemisphere. The wine combines the freshness of a cool climate with sufficient concentration and complexity. The style is refined and gastronomic, with more emphasis on tension and minerality than on power or ripeness. Lovers of modern Burgundy will find much to recognize in this elegant Chardonnay.

Volume

The 2024 vintage aligns well with the style for which Paul Cluver is known. The cool conditions of Elgin once again ensured a long ripening period, allowing the grapes to retain their freshness and aromatic precision. The result is a Chardonnay with a beautiful balance of fruit, acidity, and texture. The expected drinking window runs from 2025 to 2032. The alcohol percentage has not yet been officially published.

Food and wine pairings

This Chardonnay pairs excellently with grilled fish, lobster, scallops, shellfish, and poultry with light sauces. Mushroom risotto, creamy pastas, and soft cheeses also make wonderful combinations. Thanks to the combination of freshness and structure, this is a versatile gastronomic wine.

Wine & Food and Discount

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the ideal wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. In the Food tab, you will find advice on what to look for for the right food and wine pairing, and a number of dish suggestions from our Sommelier.