The Merlot vineyards used for this blend are planted in a combination of well-weathered granite soils and beautiful “koffie klip” (shale) slopes. The Merlot vineyards are planted exclusively on granite-derived, South-West facing slopes. The grapes were picked at approximately 24°B, with vibrant flavours of ripe, red fruits. Hand picking, under the watchful eye of the winemaker, ensures that only the finest fruit is delivered to the cellar. VINIFICATIONThe grapes are destemmed, but not crushed and whole berry fermentation at cool temperatures is practiced, to ensure a broad spectrum of bright fruit and spiciness without heavy tannin extraction. After fermentation the wine is transferred to old 300Lt French oak barrels and the skins are pressed. Malo-lactic fermentation takes place in barrel after which the wines are racked the batches are blended and the wine prepared to be bottled. AWARDS Vondeling Petit Rouge 2018Gold Wine Awards 2020 - GoldVitis Vinifera Awards 2019 - Gold "Worth twice the price" - Michael Fridjohn Vondeling Petit Rouge 2017Platter's Wine Guide 2018 3 StarsGilbert & Gaillard International Challenge 2018 88/100 Vondeling Petit Rouge 2016Platter's Wine Guide 2017 3.5 StarsVondeling Petit Rouge 2015Platter's Wine Guide 2017 3.5 Stars (Hidden Gem)Gold Wine Awards 2016 GoldVeritas Awards 2016 Silver Awards;2018 Vintage: 2019 Gold Wine Awards - Gold, 2019 Vitis Vinifera Awards – Gold , “Worth twice the price” – Michael Fridjhon Gold Wine Awards 2020
