Maastricht Merlot

Wow, what a fantastic glass of South African Merlot this is from the Maastricht winery. It's a superb example of a cool-climate Merlot. The nose reveals hints of the varietal's spicy characteristics, complemented by aromas of dark berries. The French oak influence plays a supporting role and doesn't overpower the wine, allowing the fruit to shine through. These flavors continue on the palate, finishing with a juicy and elegant mouthfeel, typical of the Durbanville region.

The start of the Maastricht label

The Maastricht winery's adventure began in 1702 when the farm was granted to Hendrick Seeger, a Dutch colonist who arrived in South Africa with the Dutch East India Company. The name comes from the first settlers searching for fertile land. The clay-rich soil reminded them of the soil in their hometown of Maastricht. The estate owns 100 hectares of vineyards. After years of growing grapes for other estates, the family decided in 2010 to launch their own wine label. The results are outstanding. Merlot used to be soft and fruity, but these days, this wine proves that its roots in South Africa are deeply rooted, allowing the grape to develop a rich terroir. These grapes come from the Durbanville area of ​​Cape Town, where very fertile soil, cool nights, and ample sunshine provide the grapes with everything they need.

Manual harvest for Maastricht Merlot

After manual harvesting and rigorous selection, this Merlot matures in 225-liter wooden barrels in the Maastricht cellars. This period lasts approximately eight months, and the wine is regularly stirred. The juice is of fantastic quality and imparts a warm, purplish color. The aroma reveals warm notes of the Merlot grape, such as blackberries, cherries, and plums, complemented by vanilla, oak, and a touch of black spice. The palate is very smooth with a rich mouthfeel, and lovely flavor notes of fresh black fruit, stewed plums, chocolate, and a touch of vanilla. A truly enjoyable wine with a perfect body.