Rosendal Merlot 2021

Rosendal Merlot 2021

WINE STYLE:  

Medium to Full Bodied Natural Red Wine - Matured in Oak

VARIETAL COMPOSITION:  

100% Merlot

ANALYSIS:  

ALCOHOL:    14 %     |   RS:     2.1 g/L         |     TA:     5.7 g/L        |   PH:   3.48 

COLOUR:   

Dense crimson hue with a ruby red rim.

APPELLATION:  

Stellenbosch -  These Merlot blocks are planted on north-eastern slopes of the Bottelary Hills in Stellenbosch and enjoy a Mediterranean climate of warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. The soil consists of weathered granite with good drainage and has excellent potential for root development.

There is a difference in altitude of some 250 meters between the northern and southern vineyards on the property.

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 a duration of 48 hours.   Fermentation in open top tanks on the skins peaked between 25 - 28º Celsius and lasted from 7 to 10 days. Flavour and colour extraction was obtained by four punch downs daily.  After pressing the wine was moved into 225L French oak barrels.  A mix of 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill barrels were used and the wine was aged for 18 months.  

ON THE NOSE: 

Ripe plum, crushed mulberry, rosemary and melted dark chocolate

ON THE PALATE: 

Red cherry compote, plush red fruits,  opulent mouthfeel

FINISH:   

Elegantly textured, complex and multi-layered.

PAIRING IDEAS: 

Serve with Italian fare.  Penne Arrabiata, traditional lasagne or meaty rustic pizza’s.