Glass Collection Merlot

This Merlot pairs well with grilled or roasted beef, lamb casseroles with mushrooms and garlic, and dishes featuring bacon and cheese .

The post-2020 harvest period experienced arid and hot conditions, leading to premature leaf shedding and inadequate carbohydrate reserve establishment. Rainfall arrived later than usual in the rainy season, starting at the end of May, which postponed the establishment of cover crops. Despite a wet winter, temperatures remained relatively mild, enabling a successful dormancy break. Bud break emerged 14 days behind schedule due to chilly and damp soil conditions, coupled with general climate trends. Flowering experienced mild weather, contributing to optimal fruit set. Abundant moisture in the soil played a role in the development of substantial, lush canopies. Veraison occurred later than usual and extended over a prolonged cycle due to the moderate climatic conditions. A notably cooler ripening season prompted a harvest delay of 2 weeks in comparison to 2020; however, the fruits achieved impeccable balance.

The wine was matured in 300L French oak barrels for 12 months.

The grapes were hand-picked, destemmed and lightly crushed before being transferred into stainless steel fermentation tanks. They were then subjected to a three-day cold soak before natural fermentation commenced. During fermentation, the tanks underwent two pump-overs daily and the wine was left on the skins after fermentation for an additional 2-3 weeks.

Winemaker Dirk and assistant Lehandri endeavour to make Glenelly wines as naturally as possible with wild yeast fermentation and little to no acidification. The team follows a minimal intervention approach to winemaking yet intensive sorting and care is taken when receiving the grapes. We use France’s most recognised coopers (mostly from Taransaud, Boutes and Sylvain) to ensure a gentle and precise elevage, preserving the identity of the terroir of Glenelly. Hygiene is of utmost importance in the cellar and a combination of both hot water and ozonated water is used for cleaning.