Ridgeback Merlot 2021
I ntense aromatics of dark plum, mulberry and liquorice with a hint of mint. A generously juicy midpalate is well cradled by ripe tannin and lingering pepper wood spice on the long finish.
Key ingredients
Merlot 100%
Food Pairing
The bold structure of this Merlot ensures versatility and would pair well with a wide range of game, especially ostrich.
Experience the Essence: Indulge in Ridgeback Merlot 2021
Bottle Analysis
Wine of Origin: Paarl
Extract: 36.3 g/l
Number of Bottles: 10 731
Alcohol: 14.5 %
Residual Sugar: 2.6 g/l
TA: 6.0 g
pH: 3.76
Total SO2: 75 mg/l
Release: February 2024
Winemaking
-
The bunches were destemmed onto the sorting table ensuring the removal of all stalks and retaining a whole berry component of 30% in the fermenter.
-
The mash was then cold soaked overnight at 12 degrees Celsius.
-
Fermentation was done in open stainless-steel fermenters at 24-28 degrees Celsius using a commercial yeast strain specifically suited to the cultivar.
-
Pumpovers were done 3-4 times daily to extract flavour and tannins for structure.
-
The mash was pressed immediately after primary fermentation was completed to avoid harsh tannin extraction.
-
The wine was gravity fed to 225l French oak barrels after Malo-lactic fermentation.
-
Maturation in 29% new, 35% second fill and 36% third fill French oak barrels lasted for 17 months and the wine was then lightly filtered prior to bottling.
