Fairview Merlot 2022

The Fairview Merlot 2022 comes from Stellenbosch and Darling vineyards, both shaped by maritime influence. The vines grow in koffieklip gravel and decomposed granite soils, which help the grapes hold bright, clean fruit. The vineyard team uses tipping, leaf removal and shoot positioning to let sunlight reach the bunches and keep ripening slow and even. The 2022 season stayed mild, giving the wine a fresh, vibrant profile.

The team picked the grapes at 24° Balling. They destemmed and gently crushed the fruit into stainless-steel tanks. Pump-overs happened up to three times a day to build colour and flavour. After fermentation, the wine moved to French oak barrels for 12 months. Fifteen percent new oak added soft spice. A small portion fermented in an open-top wooden vat and was basket-pressed to bring extra depth and texture.

Merlot 2022 is smooth, elegant and easy to enjoy. Red berries, plums and gentle oak spice define the wine. Balanced tannins give it a calm, polished finish. It stands as a refined example of fairview wines and a modern South African red wine crafted on leading wine farms South Africa.