Spier Private Collection Merlot 1999

Full-bodied with ripe berry flavours and strong hints of mint, eucalyptus and vanilla on the nose and the palate. This Merlot is a perfect combination for cheese, white meat and red meat dishes.


variety : Merlot [ Merlot ]
winery : Spier Wine Farm
winemaker : Frans Smit
wine of origin : Stellenbosch
analysis : alc : 12.5 % vol  rs : 3.56 g/l  pH : 3.77  ta : 6 g/l  
pack : Bottle  

AWARDS
The International Wine & Spirit Competition 2002 - Commended

ageing : Accessible now, but will reach optimum maturity four years from harvest.

in the vineyard : Area: Stellenbosch

Temperature average:
Summer 23.5ºC
Winter 10ºC
Annual rainfall: 650 mm
Proximity to ocean: 20 km

Soil: Deep Hutton, steep slopes

Low yielding, single vineyard 6 year old bush vines planted in a north/south direction on south-west facing slope of Papegaaiberg.

about the harvest: Hand-selected grapes picked at optimum ripeness in Mid -February.

in the cellar : Cold maceration for two days prior to fermentation. Fermentation at 28ºC in small stainless steel tanks with extended skin contact for eight to 12 days followed by malolactic fermentation in the barrel. Matured in French oak for 14 months. 70% new French oak and the balance in second fill French oak.

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