Unorthodox Kosher Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon

This rich, wooded red blend makes an ideal companion for hearty red meats, slow‑cooked stews, and roasted poultry. Its depth and structure also suit robust vegetable dishes or grilled steaks.

The wine is made under the Unorthodox label by Backsberg Wines (Back family), with origins in the Cape’s Coastal or Stellenbosch wine regions. The Merlot comes from later‑ripening, older vineyards, while the Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from earlier‑ripening, youthfully vigorous blocks.

Post-fermentation, the wine is matured in oak for approximately seven months (some sources citing French oak only, others indicating mixed French and American oak) before final blending and bottling.

The Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon components are vinified separately and blended right before bottling. Both undergo the Mevushal process, ensuring the wine is kosher. Fermentation is done in stainless steel tanks, followed by oak maturation. The Cabernet spends around seven months in French oak, while the Merlot receives seven months in a mix of French and American oak (or French oak, depending on source). The blend is flash‑pasteurized during the juice stage and bottled under kosher supervision (Cape Town Beth Din and Orthodox Union).

Backsberg Estate Cellars is a family-owned wine estate located in South Africa's Western Cape, nestled between Paarl and Stellenbosch. The winery has a long history, dating back to 1916, when Charles Back purchased the farm. Today, Backsberg is recognized for its commitment to sustainability, family heritage, and producing high-quality wines.