Fleur du Cap Essence Merlot

0.75L | 14.5%

13 , 9 5

Merlot

Fleur du Cap

Aantal

Can only be ordered per case (6).

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14 dagen bedenktijd

Fleur du Cap Essence Merlot

Taste & Aging

Light

Bold

Smooth

Tannic

Dry

Sweet

Soft

Acidity

Drinking Window

Aging phase Until 2026

Ready to drink 2026 - 2032

Past peak After 2032

Aromas

Amarena cherries Overripe plums Soft fruit Dark chocolate Sweet oak Woody

Food Pairing

Spicy mediterranean dishes Fish Duck

Vintage Report

The 2020 vintage in South Africa received 92 points (Excellent) in the Robert Parker Vintage Chart. Wines from this year are of high quality, but may still be a bit youthful at present and have excellent aging potential.

Not just any Merlot, but one with great power and refinement, this Fleur du Cap Merlot. The utmost care has gone into this wine, with hand-picked grapes and fourteen months of aging in new and old French and American oak. As you can imagine, this is quite special; the new oak provides considerable depth and structure.

The Merlot vineyards of Fleur du Cap

The Merlot grapes come from vineyards in the Stellenbosch and Somerset West regions. The vineyards were planted in 1992, 1999, and 2000, at altitudes ranging from 150 to 250 meters above sea level, and produced yields of 8-9 tons/ha. Supplemental irrigation was introduced towards the end of the growing season. The vines were trellised using a 5-wire hedgerow system, with leaves broken early in the forest zones to expose the bunches to direct sunlight. The grapes are harvested in mid-February at a temperature of 23 to 24 degrees Celsius. In the cellar, the grapes are carefully destemmed, crushed, and inoculated with a selected yeast. To preserve fruit flavors, the fermentation temperature is controlled at 25 degrees Celsius. Color and tannin extraction is carried out by pumping over and evaluated daily to prevent the incorporation of harsh tannins. After fermentation, the wine is drained and the skins are pressed without a hard press. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally. Finally, the wine is aged for twelve months in a combination of French and American oak.

How to smell and taste Fleur du Cap Essence Merlot

The Fleur du Cap Merlot from the Essence du Cap series displays a ruby red color in the glass. On the nose, the wine offers delightful aromas of dark chocolate, Amarena cherries, and overripe plums. These aromas are accompanied by a slightly elegant woody note. The Essence du Cap Merlot is velvety smooth and beautifully balanced on the palate. The aromas of pure, soft fruit stand out in the foreground, framed by a hint of sweet oak. This taste impression lingers on the palate. The Essence du Cap Merlot is the perfect partner for spicy Mediterranean dishes, fish, or duck.

Product details

Alcohol content	14.5%
Vintage	2020
Size	0.75L
Region	Western Cape
Sub-region	Stellenbosch
Land	South Africa
Producer	Fleur du Cap
Varietal(s)	Merlot
Oak aging	Yes, 12 to 14 months in new and used French and American oak
Ideal serving temperature ?	16° - 18°C