Houtbay Vineyards Merlot

A gentle, well-rounded wine offering vibrant fresh fruit flavors, soft, supple tannins, and a delicately oaked finish. Its balanced profile makes it an exceptionally versatile choice, suited to a variety of occasions and pairings.

Vintage: 2013

Winery / Producer: Hout Bay Vineyards

Grape Variety(ies): Merlot

Wine of Origin: Cape Town

Vineyard Information

Chemical Analysis

Alcohol Percentage: 13.7%

Total Acidity (TA): 7.8 g/L g/L

Residual Sugar (RS): 1.9 g/L g/L

pH Level: 3.38

Winemaking

Process:

The grapes are meticulously destemmed and hand-sorted to ensure optimal quality before being gently crushed and fermented in open-top fermenters. Throughout fermentation, the cap is manually punched down three times daily to enhance color extraction and tannin development. Once fermentation is complete, the wine is pressed and transferred into oak barrels for maturation.

Fermentation Style:

Selected controlled yeast strains

Aging Method:

Matured for a period of two years in a selection of first- and second-fill French oak barrels, ranging in volume from 225 to 500 liters, to enhance structure, complexity, and integration of flavor.

Aging Duration: 24 Months

Food Pairings

An ideal companion to both white and red meats, this wine harmonizes beautifully with tomato-based dishes and boasts refined, gentle tannins that allow for a seamless pairing with sweet, creamy chocolate.

Serving Temperature: 18

Decanting Recommended: No