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| Plaisir de Merle |
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 Owned by Cape Legends, this 974 hectare estate in Simondium, Paarl, has earned international acclaim for its white and red wines. Winemaker Niel Bester attributes the benefits of not only working with great fruit coming from a very unique terrain, but also getting the valuable input from Dr. Paul Pontallier, MD at Chateau Margaux. Producing wines that are classically styled and accessible, is the goal for all involved on this historic farm established in 1693.
The diversity of the soils, slopes and elevations is closely linked with the quality of Plaisir de Merle wines. Well-drained weathered granite soils with good water retention allow minimal interference in irrigation with most vineyards dry land. In a season where dry conditions played a significant role in the ripening of the grapes, it was evident how the vineyards benefited from the moisture that seeps down the slopes to feed the roots.
Situated on the east and northeast facing slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain, Plaisir de Merle is bordered by the towns of Stellenbosch, Francschoek and Paarl. The vineyards, between 7 – 18 years of age, are located between 180m and 400m above sea level where high mountain peaks shade the vineyards from the hot, late afternoon sun. This slows down ripening, resulting in wines with a very typically rich fruit complexity and well-ripened tannins.
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