Vergelegen Merlot Reserve, 2017

ORIGIN
The grapes were all selected from the Vergelegen vineyards; Rooiland and Stonepine.

VINIFICATION
The fruit was picked at peak physiological ripeness to avoid the necessity of adding acid and prevent the extraction of hard tannins. Fermentation took place at a consistent 25°C.  The young wine was left to macerate on its skins for a further 7 weeks before pressing.  Malolactic fermentation was induced in stainless steel tanks and was followed by maturation in 225l French oak barrels for 16 months before bottling on 18 January 2017.  Released December 2019.

COMPOSITION
Merlot – 100%

ANALYSIS
Alc  14.57%
RS    2.50 g/l
TA    6.3 g/l
pH    3.42

MATURATION
Accessible now but will continue to improve over the next decade.