We are ecstatic about the release of our latest vintage, the 2020 Rosendal Merlot. We expect this wine to be a new favourite, which you can purchase via our online store or through one of our knowledgeable call centre agents.
This Merlot has a dark ruby red colour with fragrant mulberries and whiffs of cocoa on the nose followed by mouthfuls of intense fleshy plums and red fruits. The palate is broad with well-integrated oak and polished tannins, concluding in a soft, round finish.
Harvest
During the 2020 growing season, weather conditions were favourable for higher crop levels, but windy conditions during sensitive berry growth stages resulted in smaller berries and a lighter crop. Mild temperatures during the ripening period resulted in good flavour retention and exceptional acidity in white cultivars. Red cultivars show great tannin and colour analysis, promising wines with concentrated flavour profiles and superior quality.
Vineyard:
The grapes were sourced from a single property outside Stellenbosch. This producer’s philosophy states that winemaking success begins in the vineyards. They show it by implementing innovative canopy management and selecting varieties and clones specifically suited to the various soils and slopes. The 150ha estate has vineyards lying from 160m to 410m above sea level and slopes facing North, South, East and West. The farm benefits from cooling breezes and coastal fog due to its close proximity to both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
Winemaking:
The grapes were picked cold in the early mornings between 23 ̊ and 24 º Balling sugar ripeness. The bunches were de-stemmed and gently crushed and went into tanks for cold maceration for 48 hours. Thereafter, the skins’ fermentation in open-top tanks peaked between 25 - 28º Celsius and lasted from 7 to 10 days. We extracted flavour and colour by punching the skins downs twice daily. After pressing, the wine was pumped into 225L French oak barrels in a mix of 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill barrels to age for 12 months.
Pairing Ideas:
This Merlot is a versatile wine that pairs with a wide range of different foods. Try it with Spaghetti Bolognese, Rosemary & Thyme Lamb with roasted Vegetables or Filet Mignon in a red wine sauce with roast butternut, mushrooms, peppers and potato chips.
Save with our incredible launch promotion! Buy 12 or more bottles and only pay R149 per bottle AND receive a FREE stainless steel bar set! This offer is limited, so don’t miss out!