In anticipation of Chardonnay Day on 23 May, we were invited to a vertical tasting of Middelvlei’s Chardonnay, set against the charming backdrop of ‘farm life in the city.’ Ben Momberg guided us through a selection of their Chardonnay vintages, followed by a hearty Boerebraai lunch.
Situated in the Stellenbosch Winelands at the foot of Devon Valley, Middelvlei Wine Estate has been the heart of the Momberg family for over a century. The estate’s history began in 1919 when two brothers purchased the farm, embedding a legacy of tradition and family values. Today, brothers Ben and Tinnie Momberg uphold this heritage, drawing on three generations of winemaking expertise to craft wines of outstanding quality that everyone can enjoy.
Middelvlei’s journey with Chardonnay started in 1994, initially featuring oak influences. Over the years, they transitioned to a lifestyle Chardonnay that highlights vibrant citrus and pineapple notes. The wine undergoes a 30 day lees ageing process and a brief skin contact of 2-3 hours, enhancing its body and complexity. Their focus is to produce an accessible Chardonnay with fresh, crisp flavours that appeal to a wide audience.
The vertical tasting highlighted the evolution of their Chardonnay over the past three years. We sampled the 2021, 2022 and 2023 vintages. The 2021 vintage stood out with higher alcohol and sugar levels around 5.8, compared to the 3.8 of the subsequent vintages. The 2022 vintage emerged as the favourite, offering refreshingly crisp flavours, balanced minerality and well-integrated acidity. This vertically tasting beautifully illustrated the refinement and consistency of Middelvlei’s Chardonnay through the years.
Middelvlei is renowned for its authentic Boerebraai experience and their braai expert skillfully prepares every dish to perfection. Aromas of freshly baked Potbrood fills the air and you get to enjoy it with homemade preserves and a delicious smoked snoek pâté which is quite addictive.
We were greeted with a feast that made our taste buds dance. Imagine juicy Lamb Chops grilled to perfection, flavourful Boerewors bursting with spices and honey and mustard Chicken Sosaties that were simply irresistible. Of course no braai is complete without an irresistible cheese, tomato and onion Braaibroodjie. Each bite was a symphony of gooey cheese, sweet tomatoes and caramelised onions. The highlight for me was those little bites of heaven Pampoenkoekies dusted with cinnamon sugar. The creamy Potato Salad was the perfect sidekick, along with a fresh Green Salad that added a refreshing crunch.
We were also treated to two exceptional wines with our meal. The first was the Momberg Pinotage 2018, known for its rich, bold flavours and smooth finish. The second option was the Momberg Blend 2019, a masterful combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Pinotage, offering a complex profile with hints of dark fruit and subtle spice. These wines beautifully complemented the robust flavours of the Boerebraai. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a fine red wine by the fireplace as the rain pours outside.
For that extra touch of warmth and comfort against the miserable weather, we ended off our afternoon at Middelvlei with a delicious Malva Poeding and ice cream together with a steaming cup of freshly brewed Boeretroos over the coals. Whether the skies are pouring with rain or beaming with sunshine, their cosy indoor and outdoor settings will guarantee a wonderful time regardless of the weather conditions.
Contact Details:
Email: info@middelvlei.co.za
Call: +27 21 883 2565
Categories: Middelvlei Wine Estate
