variety : Merlot [ 100% Merlot ]
winemaker : Gary Jordan
wine of origin : Stellenbosch
analysis : alc : 14.5 % vol rs : 1.5 g/l pH : 3.47 ta : 5.6 g/l so2 : 1.0 mg/l fso2 : 1.0 mg/l
type : Red style : Dry body : Medium
pack : Bottle size : 750ml closure : Screwcap
in the vineyard : Location & Climate: The distinct ravine which embodies Stellenbosch Kloof harnesses all the qualities of a well-orientated compass. Varying elevations and aspects allows us to grow a selection of classic varieties to specific sites that optimise this expression through their location. The cooler south- and east-facing aspects, unique in Stellenbosch, hosts the more sensitive and aromatic white-skinned grape varieties.
Stellenbosch Kloof enjoys a cooler Mediterranean climate with mari-time influences from False Bay, 14km to the south, and a refreshing breeze channelled from the West Coast’s Benguela current 24km to the north-west. These two breezes culminate at the top end of the ravine and bring in early morning mists, especially from False Bay. Consequently, temperatures in our meso-climate can be measured at least 3° Celsius cooler than inland Stellenbosch during ripening peri-ods. This adds a unique characteristic to Jordan wines.
Appellation: Wine of Origin Stellenbosch.
Soil: Decomposed granite and loam.
Aspect: West-facing vineyards,
Age of Vines: Planted in 2000
in the cellar : Fermented in overhead retort-shaped, stainless steel fermenters. Pump-overs were done three times daily during fermentation. The use of gravity and gentle pressing ensure full-flavoured wines with soft, balanced tannins. The wine was not aged in barrel as this is a micro-oxidative process, so to protect the wine from oxidation it was aged on its lees on oak staves for 10 months before bottling. No sulphur was added during the course of vinification.