Meinert Wines Merlot 2020

Meinert Merlot 2018

Winemaking

Berry sorting and ‘gentle hands’ in the cellar is definitely a theme in the vinification of Merlot… Following meticulous sorting both mechanically and by-hand, whole berries (as opposed to the typical crushing of the berries) are fermented with natural yeasts, gentle pump overs two to three times a day ensuring optimal colour, tannin and flavour extract. Made in classic, minimal interventionist manner with no extended skin maceration, each of the four batches (or individual pickings) is vinified separately and matured for 18 months in a selection of first, second, third and fourth fill French oak barrels and racked at intervals as necessary. Individual barrel selection ensures the finest expression of our Merlot.

Tasting Notes

The nose offers rounded, supple fruit complemented by complex notes of roasted pepper and herbs. The palate is beautifully textured, with soft tannins that provide a smooth mouthfeel and excellent balance. This Merlot delivers a fine expression of ripe red fruit with savory undertones, finishing clean and satisfying.

Analysis

Alcohol: 13.5 %
Residual Sugar: 3.3 g/l
Total Acidity: 5.6 g/l
pH: 3.68
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch

Vineyards

A complex blend of two Merlot vineyards selectively harvested over four pickings spanning three weeks difference in harvest dates. All our soils on Devon Crest are deep and well drained with a high clay content ensuring optimal water retention, as such, enabling us to farm under ‘dryland’ conditions. Unirrigated vines often yield a lower, but more flavor intense crop offering greater fruit purity and depth. The vintage of 2016 marked the start of the ‘dry vintages’ attributed to more severe summer droughts that spanned three vintages. Average yield 6 tons/ha.

Special Notes

Meinert Merlot in its classic, elegant and refined style forms the core of our portfolio and is a wine we are particularly passionate about. Merlot is perfectly suited to the unique terroir of our hillside Devon Valley vineyards. Drink from release to 2030.

As our vines mature with every passing vintage so the wines become richer and more textured without the fear of clumsy, dull fruit expression. Our focus on ‘turbo charged’ Merlot that bridges the gap between the New and Old Worlds is still very much the focal point and the embodiment of our philosophy of farming vine-for-vine and berry-by-berry.

Best enjoyed with hearty meat dishes including lamb, beef, venison, quail, guinea fowl and duck. Hugely versatile in every respect.