RW Winery Range Merlot 2016

ageing : 

2 - 3 years

Merlot by nature is very sensitive to heat and prefers cooler areas therefore we plant our Merlot on the lower mountain slopes in deep karoo soils that retain water well. These soils render a good buffer capacity against unfavourable weather conditions. Severe shooting thinning followed by crop control after veraison is necessary to ensure that a good balance between canopy and crop load is achieved. Sufficient light penetration into the canopy is necessary for sufficient colour formation, especially on a cultivar like Merlot. Our Merlot vines are planted mainly South East - North West to protect the grapes from direct sunlight and to utilize the prevailing South Eastern breeze to cool the grapes during the ripening season. Irrigation is supplemented by controlled drip irrigation from the Breede River.

Grapes were harvested at full ripeness between 24.5° - 26° Balling from a selection of vineyards.

Cold soaking happened two days prior to  fermentation to ensure optimum colour and flavour extraction.Fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks at 24°C for 7 days. The wine was matured on French oak for 4 months to add weight and complexity.