Thelema Merlot

This premium South African Merlot is from the Stellenbosch region and produced by Thelema Mountain Vineyards. Grapes are selected from their high altitude estate vineyards before being hand sorted and cold soaked in stainless steel with twice daily pumpovers.  Fermentation is with with natural occurring yeasts before pressing and racking to barrel for malolactic fermentation. The wine spends 18 months in these French oak barrels – 30% new and the balance in older barrels. 

The resulting wine shows bright, red fruit and hints of spice on the nose, with concentrated flavours on the palate and soft, polished tannins. Hints of dark chocolate complete this wonderfully balanced wine, that will further develop well in the bottle for 6 years from vintage date. Try with mushroom risotto, rich pastas and grilled meats.

With their wines, Thelema aim to create an expression of Stellenbosch through authority and rich tradition. Situated on the South Easterly side of the Simonsberg Mountain with elevations 530m above sea level – some of the highest elevations in Stellenbosch. The high altitude and the rich red soils are ideal for premium quality wine grape production. They vinify with minimum interference, allowing the wines to be a true expression of each vineyard.