Cape Gables Merlot

This wine consists of only one cultivar – Merlot.

The grapes were hand-picked and selected out of our best block of Merlot,

The grapes came in at 25 Balling, were destemmed and cold maturation lasted 48 hours.  After cold maturation the pulp was inoculated with a yeast strain and fermentation took place for a period of 14 days at a temperature of 25-26C.  In this 14 day period regular (4 times per day) pump overs were done.  The juice was pressed when the fermentation finished witch paved the road for Malolactic fermentation to start and finish in 18 days thereafter.  The wine matured in 100% French oak barrels for a period of 24 months.  After maturation the wine was prepared for bottling.

This Merlot is a display of distinctive characteristics that are found in the Merlot vineyards of Stellenbosch.  The nose is fruity and shows subtle aromas of rich red and black berries, plum flavours a hint of cherry chocolate and vanilla.  On the palate you experience the soft, ripe, velvety round tannins, accompanied with a lingering taste of ripe berries.  Maturation potential 8-10 years.

Flavour Profile: Red berries & cherry chocolate

Enjoy with: Meaty pastas, beef & lamb dishes

Best Enjoyed:  18 degrees Celsius