Six Tonner Merlot
The recent demarcation of the Darling district has led to a focus at Darling Cellars on wines which are terroir and varietal specific. The cool and temperate West Coast climate lends itself to a different micro- and mesoclimate which, along with the different types of soil, lead to unique grapes, which we guide into even more unique wines. Having 99% of all vineyards dry land and almost the same percentage as bush vine, this is as close to what nature intended for grapes to be as one can get.
Darling Cellars Reserve is a wine range of straight varietals where the focus is on fruit driven, varietal true, value for money wines.
Wine: Six Tonner Merlot
Vintage: 2010
Origin: Darling
Cultivar(s): 100% Merlot
Winemaker: Abé Beukes + Carel Hugo
Terroir: Decomposed granite, with deep red top soils. A low yield from dry land and bush vine
Vineyard type: Bush Vine, no irrigation
Yield: 5.5-6.5 t/ha
Balling at Harvest: 24-25°B
Vinification: Crush and destalk, 12 days fermentation at 22-28°C
Maturation: After malolactic fermentation a portion (approx. 50%) of the wine is racked into barrels for 7-8 months while the balance is transferred into stainless tanks to which staves are added. A blend of 3rd and 4th fill barrels are used
Alc: 14.45 %
TA: 4.95 g/l
RS: 2.00 g/l
PH: 3.74
Winemaker’s comments:
A soft, fruity wine with delicate ripe plum and mulberry flavours both on the nose and palate. With the subtle use of oak, this wine has a wonderfully appealing balance between fruit and wood for easy drinking.
