The German Nicholas Cleef founded the De Zalze winery in 1683. At that time, he is said to have planted around 7,000 vines. Several owners have been at the helm of this successful winery. Kobus Basson and Rolf Schulz have owned De Zalze since 1996 and have built a new family tradition of winemaking from day one. The wines regularly win awards, and with good reason. There's a fantastic wine for every wine lover in the selection. In addition to the typical South African reds of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, Kleine Zalze also offers excellent white wines from Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Chenin Blanc.
After harvesting in the early morning, the grapes are destemmed at the winery, and fermentation is carried out using whole berries to ensure a soft, elegant, and fruity wine. The batches are fermented in stainless steel tanks, and then only the free-run juice is transferred to older oak barrels for aging for approximately 12 months. A small portion is aged in tank to add a touch of freshness to the final blend.
This Merlot smells of ripe red berries, plums, and cedarwood, with hints of chocolate. On the palate, the Kleine Zalze Cellar Selection Merlot is beautifully structured, with ripe, well-integrated tannins, a fresh acidity, and a pleasant, fruity lightness. The finish is long and lingering. This Kleine Zalze Merlot can be enjoyed on its own, but also pairs well with meat dishes such as steak or stews.
