The sandy loam soil with flint and sandstone and with a layer of marl at a depth of 3 metres granted an optimal subsoil for this. Between 1998 and 2000, the estate located in Oud-Heverlee/Vaalbeek was expanded to 60,000 vines.
The planting technique, pruning and care of the vineyard are done according to the latest high-tech standards.
In 1994, Paul and An Vleminckx-Lefever proceeded to plant 21,000 vines of Chardonnay after consultation with experts from the Champagne region, which later grew to 60,000 vines.
In 2018, son Laurens joined the business. The Chardonnay Meerdael estate became an established name in the Belgian and International wine world. The quality of our wine has won several awards in Belgium and in wine competitions around the world. In 2009 he was the first Belgian to achieve the Grand Gold Medal at the prestigious ‘Concours Mondial De Bruxelles’. In 2020, ‘VLAM’ awarded us the ‘STREEKPRODUCT.BE’ label.
Harvesting is done mechanically and the grapes are immediately pressed in the computer-controlled membrane press. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats. After bottling, the bottles are stored in an air-conditioned room. The vinification process follows the ‘Méthode Traditionnelle’. This method is used in the Champagne region and means a second fermentation in the bottle. These bottles lie sur latte for a minimum of 1 year. Clarification is done by turning the bottles in a gyro pallet. The yeast residue sinks down into the bottle and forms a clot. Then it is time for degorging. This involves freezing the neck of bottle at -20 degrees Celsius, then opening the bottle. The pressure built up causes the clot to shoot out. The bottle is refilled and sealed with a cork and muselet.
The Chardonnay Meerdael has a bright pale yellow, sometimes straw yellow colour; annually depending on the maturity of the grape at harvest. The aroma is fresh and delicate. The palate shows a delicate aroma of spring blossom and ripe fruit, a refreshing and slightly exotic touch with an elegant acidity note. The finish is pleasant and fresh. This Belgian sparkling wine is suitable as an aperitif or with seafood. The ideal pouring temperature is 6 degrees Celsius.
