Another week and another great wine to share with you. I am not typically a Merlot drinker but appreciate good wine, and I am suitably impressed with the Hartenberg Merlot 2015.
Hartenberg Merlot 2015
Hartenberg in Stellenbosch is a farm I visited many years ago before I became “serious” about wine appreciation. It is on my list of wine farms to visit again soon! Hartenberg is particularly well known for producing some of the worlds finest Shiraz; a personal favourite is the Gravel Hill Shiraz.
Enough about Shiraz, we will reserve that for another time. As I mentioned Merlot is not usually my wine of choice, but occasionally I am surprised by one that I love. The Hartenberg Merlot 2015 is one of those wines. Hailed to be a bumper vintage this wine promises to be everything and more.
From the Vine
Each vineyard is specially selected, and grapes hand-picked early in the morning. They are then cold soaked for two days after that a French-sourced yeast is added to the juice. The must is fermented and pumped over four times daily. Followed by an extended maceration for fourteen days and a fractional pressing.
Once the wine has settled it is matured in French oak barrels for 19 months – 50% *first fill and 50% 2nd fill.
*Definition: When a barrel is filled with wine for the first time it is called a ‘first fill’, the second time it becomes ‘second fill’ and so on. The significance of this lies in the limited supply of extract available. The first fill of a barrel absorbs about 50% of the flavour and tannin in the barrel, the second fill 25% and then less each year as the barrel ages until it is merely a storage vessel, imparting little flavour.
In Your Glass
What I particularly love about this wine is the beautiful heady fragrance on the nose. You can expect notes of dark plum, cherry, violets and star anise. The 2015 Merlot is full-bodied and has lovely spice and oak flavours. Tannins are not harsh, allowing for a smooth finish, which lingers on your palate. Although it is very quaffable now, the wine will reach its full potential, if left to age for between ten to fifteen years.
Food and Wine
The Hartenberg Merlot paired well with my Roast Pork Fillet served with sauteed apple, mash potato and a creamy tarragon sauce. I would also happily pair this wine with a lightly Spiced Tomato Pasta or even a mild curry, such as Butter Chicken.
Awards
The future looks bright for this new vintage as previous awards include Best Merlot in the World at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2008; Gold at the 2013 Veritas Awards, as well as Gold at the 2014 Concours Mondial De Bruxelles.
Availability and Pricing
The Hartenberg Merlot 2015 is available directly from the cellar at R175 per bottle or select outlets nationwide. Contact Hartenberg via telephone +27 21 865 2541 or visit the website for more information.
Wine Tasting
Hartenberg offers a range of tasting experiences hosted by Caroline Ngalwa, their tasting room manager, and her team. A premium and super premium tasting of 6 wines of your choice. Although they do charge for tastings, the fee is waivered if you purchase a bottle or two of wine.
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Source: * Fill Definition – wine.co.za
Disclosure
I was sent a complimentary bottle of Hartenberg Merlot 2015 for review purposes. The post does not contain sponsored or paid content. All opinions, content, and images are the property of Inspired Living or Fiona Rossiter unless otherwise stated. To see more, read the full PR & Disclosure Policy below.
Blacksburg has no stock of Pinotage Rose names of other outlets please thanks Vivienne Biccard