Meinert Merlot 2006

Fresh, rich red colour. The nose is an appetising mix of redcurrant, mint, spice and mineral aromas, the palate is soft and finishes smooth and crisp

From
Martin Meinert makes a very small and personalised range of wines in limited quantities at the hillside Devon Crest vineyard outside Stellenbosch. Each wine is created with much thought and care to ensure uniqueness and individual character.

Vineyards
A rather complex blend of wines from three different Merlot and two Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards. All our soils on Devon Crest are deep and well drained with high clay content. Vines receive supplementary irrigation. Average yield 7 tons/ha.

Blend
Merlot 85%, Cabernet Sauvignon 15%

Winemaking
Fermented with natural yeasts, made in classic low intervention manner, no extended skin maceration. Aged 18 months in second and third fill French Oak barrels, racked at intervals as necessary. Polished with a very light (quarter egg per 100 litres) egg white fining and bottled in September 2008.

Analysis
Alcohol - 14.20 vol%
Residual sugar - 1,6 g/l
Total acidity - 6,1 g/l
pH - 3,45
Total extract - 28,6 g/l

Comments
Wines from the 2006 vintage are generally a little gentler than previous ones. Our Merlot is very elegant and as always in the classical Meinert style. Though the wine is ready to drink it will unfold and should last till 2012 at least.

Suggested Pairings
An excellent food wine ideal with game birds like quail, guinea fowl, pigeon and also duck. Lamb suits the wines herbal touches. For variation match it with Cape salmon and Merlot reduction sauce.