2020 Jordan Black Magic Merlot

The name Merlot is thought to be a diminutive of merle, the French name for the blackbird. At Jordan Wine Estate, our Merlot vineyards are based on Black Tourmaline-rich granite which darkens the soil, leading to perfumed, inky wines. Harvested from mature east and west-facing vineyards established on mother soils of decomposed granite. Part whole-berry fermentation and softer pump-overs extract aromas of red plums and dark bitter chocolate. French oak maturation seasons the wine to accentuate the seductive flavours and generous velvety tannins.

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Viticulture

APPELLATION: Wine of Origin Stellenbosch.

SOIL: Decomposed granite

ASPECT: East– and west-facing vineyards.

AGE OF VINES: 28-35 years old

CLONES: 192, 36, 343 & 348

Harvested from mature east and west-facing vineyards established on mother soils of decomposed granite. The grapes were harvested between the 3rd and 23rd of March 2020.

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Vinification

Fermented in overhead retort-shaped, stainless steel fermenters at 26-28°C. Pump-overs were done three times daily over the fermenting cap. A small portion received extended maceration while the remainder was pressed immediately after fermentation. After settlement, the wine was racked into barrels where it underwent malolactic fermentation. After further racking, it spent 18 months in new and second fill 225 litre French oak barrels.