ALEXANDERFONTEIN MERLOT 2008
Biltong, berries and delicate butter lettuce becomes an interesting salad or side dish with the tones of berries and plums in this red wine. Stonehill Blueberry olives could be added to a simple green salad or serve it as a snack with the wine. Drizzle the salad with olive oil, not to overpower the delicate berry flavours. A mildly spicy dish with cumin flavours will also complement the Merlot.
Recipe: Biltong salad: Arrange butter lettuce with moist biltong slices and some Stonehill Blueberry olives on a salad platter. Drizzle with olive oil and season with freshly ground black pepper. A handful of crispy croutons can add crunch to the salad or serve it with thin slices of melba toast and a generous glass of Alexanderfontein Merlot.
Merlot vines are very generous when bearing fruit and we are always careful not to over crop. This will lead to dilution and loss of colour intensity.
DESCRIPTION: This wine has developed beautifully with a subtle, balanced palate and velvety mouth feel. The varietal nose of plums, herbs and crushed berries showcases the terroir of the farm.
STYLE: Fruity Dry Red Wine
GRAPE VARIETIES: 100% Merlot
VINIFICATION: Grapes were picked at 24.6°B. The grapes were cooled down to 15°C before inducing fermentation. Pumping was done twice daily ensuring that the cap was soaked and enough skin contact was obtained. Fermentation lasted close to three weeks. Before barrel ageing the wine was allowed to complete Malolactic fermentation. This wine was kept in barrels for 8 months, 20% new wood.
ANALYSIS: ALC: 14.38%; TA: 6.2g/l; RS: 2.0g/l; PH: 3.39
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