Balance Winemaker’s Selection Merlot

Winemaking Techniques

The grapes were cold soaked for two days. After traditional skin fermentation, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation. The wine was matured in French oak staves for 10 months.

Vineyards

The vineyards lie in deep red soils ensuring excellent water-retention and adding structure and fullness to the wines.

Vintage Conditions

Bud break were 5 to 7 days later compared to the 2021 vintage, giving rise to later flowering and a late start to the 2021 season. Rain and cold weather conditions at the beginning of November had a very positive effect on set and was a contributing factor to a better 2022 season. The cool summer conditions gave the 2021 season a start with a slow ripening period and grapes reached phenolic ripeness 3- 4 weeks later. These factors contribute to more fruit intensity and higher acidity levels.

Food Pairing

Serve with boeuf bourguignon, chicken marsala, quesadillas and minestrone soup.

Appellation: Western Cape, South Africa
Varieties: 100% Merlot
Harvest Date: March | Vintage: 2022

ALC: 13.5% | RS: 4.7g/l | pH: 3.5 | TA: 5.89g/l