Stellenbosch Merlot 2019

Rustenberg, fact sheet (rustenberg.co.za – linket fra rustenberg.co.za, hentet 2026-10-18): 2019 Rustenberg Stellenbosch Merlot – område: Stellenbosch; 100% Merlot; alkohol 14%. Producentens noter (engelsk): Introduction: Merlot has been a mainstay red grape variety on Rustenberg since the late 1970's where its lead role has been to complement Cabernet Sauvignon in blends. Rustenberg's Merlots tend to be bigger and bolder in body and are structured to have excellent aging potential, pairing well with red meat based dishes and rewarding decanting before being served. Vintage: The 2019 vintage was a challenging one for the Rustenberg team. While the winter of 2018 was a welcome break from the previous four winters of drought, most vineyards had not fully recovered and produced below average yields. A warm snap in June and a wet Spring, coupled with a wetter than average Summer harvesting season made 2019 a challenge, with some late harvest thinning or multiple harvests of the same vineyard required to achieve uniformity. Early and mid-season ripening varieties performed well, all achieving flavour ripeness at lower alcohol levels, while late ripening varieties required patience and extended time on the vines, again achieving lower alcohols overall, but creating ripe, structured wines. Vineyards/winemaking: Extraction Method Crushed and De-stemmed Fruit, Pumped Over During Ferment Fermentation Vessel Stainless Steel Yeast Cultured Active Dry Wine Yeast Extended Maceration 7 days Oak Aging 11 Months Age and Type of Oak 20% new and 80% 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th fill French 225L barrels Fining Agents Used Egg Whites (Albumen)