2019 Drostdy Hof Merlot Western Cape South Africa

Drostdy Hof Cape Red is produced from grapes which were hand harvested from bush vines and low-trellised vineyards in the Stellenbosch, Paarl and Worcester areas of the sun drenched Western Cape. Ranging in age between 12 and 27 years, and situated at 50 m to 150 m above sea level, the vines are grown in soils varying from decomposed granite to Kroonstad soil.

The grapes were vinified with the juice being fermented on the skins for an average of four days and then pressed. The wine was allowed secondary malolactic fermentation which added body and complexity. Vinfication was conducted throughout in stainless steel tanks so this wine was nowhere near any oak.

The resultant wine is deep ruby red in colour, with a fresh and fruity nose, redolent of blackberry, strawberry, redcurrant and damson, with spice notes. The palate is medium-bodied, with lovely red berry and ripe fruit flavours that are well-integrated with the very subtle, spicy tannins. This is a very easy drinking, yet complex and characterful wine