variety : Merlot [ 100% Merlot ]
winemaker : Bonny van Niekerk
wine of origin : Coastal
analysis : alc : 14.02 % vol rs : 2.07 g/l pH : 3.48 ta : 6.00 g/l
type : Red style : Dry body : Medium taste : Fruity wooded
pack : Bottle closure : Cork
in the vineyard : Background
Zonnebloem is a long-established leader in South African winemaking with a history dating back to the late 17th century and a reputation for honouring tradition in the way its wines are made.
The Stellenbosch farm, Kunnenburg, from which Zonnebloem as a separate farm originated, was transferred to Willem van der Merwe in 1692 by Governor Simon van der Stel. After changing hands over several generations, in 1856, the owner at the time, Petrus Jacobus Malherbe divided the farm between his two sons, Daniël Francois Malherbe and Willem Andries Malherbe. Willem named his portion Zonnebloem. In 1893, the farm was bought by the Furter family and over three generations established an award-winning track record on local wine shows and also won several important export contracts.
As in earlier days, nothing is rushed at Zonnebloem and each wine is allowed to take its time, from the growing of the fruit to its vinification to produce generous-bodied flavours rich in varietal expression. Zonnebloem wines are accessibly styled with a soft palate, and in the case of the reds, structured to last five to 10 years.
The wine is made entirely from Merlot grapes.
Vineyards (viticulturist: Annelie Viljoen)
The grapes were sourced from trellised, dryland vineyards in the Devon Valley, Stellenbosch Kloof and Jonkershoek areas. Mostly south-west facing, they derive the maximum benefit from cooling maritime breezes that contribute to slow ripening of the grapes and concentrated fruit flavours.
in the cellar : The different vineyards blocks were separately vinified. Fermentation on the skins took place for 10 to 12 days at 27°C. After malolactic fermentation, the wine was matured in a combination of wood (55% in 300 litre barrels - 80% French and 20% American oak) and stainless steel tanks (45%) for 12 months.