Merlot

This Merlot pairs excellently with grilled flat iron steak topped with blue cheese butter or spicy Cajun jambalaya.

Mediterranean climate with cool breezes from the Atlantic Ocean, with an average maximum temperature in summer of 26˚C, and an average night-time low in winter of 8˚C. The long-term average rainfall is 1100mm per year. The soil types vary from deep red clay soil to red-brown loamy soil, both from granitic origin. Vineyards are trained on vertical shoot position trellis systems. Vineyard actions like pruning, canopy management and harvesting are done by hand. Pest control is done biologically, and soil health and weed control are managed by a selected mix of winter cover crop.

The wine matured in 35% new, 30% 2nd and 35% 3rd fill 225 litre French oak barrels for 15 months before blending and bottling.

The grapes were handpicked at 25.5-26°Balling and fermented in stainless steel tanks with regular pump overs during fermentation. The wine was left on the skins for two weeks after fermentation to maximise extraction, and malolactic fermentation was allowed in stainless steel.

In 1679 Simon van der Stel was appointed by the Dutch East India Company to govern the Cape of Good Hope. After years of loyal service he requested land from the Company. He periodically sent out riders to collect soil samples. In 1685 he chose 891 morgen (about 763 ha) situated behind Table Mountain for its wine-growing potential and magnificent scenery. Over the years the wines produced on the estate caught the attention of influential people across the globe – clearly due to its impressive quality. Global aristocracy made sure that they had enough stock of this acclaimed and precious product. Our founder named his farm Constantia after the Latin word for constancy or steadfastness. These attributes he valued greatly and today we follow in his footsteps to uphold his enduring legacy of perfection at Groot Constantia.