Martin Melck Cabernet Sauvignon

Muratie Martin Melck Cabernet Sauvignon is ideally suited for Karoo Lamb, beef and venison dishes.

Tucked into the exquisite Knorhoek Valley north of Stellenbosch, Muratie Wine Estate, under the stewardship of Rijk Melck and his family, has been at the heart of a lot of passionate debate. This debate is centred largely around the desire to protect a century’s old wine experience that is a magnet for wine lovers around the world. The farm itself dates back to 1685 when it was granted by Governor Simon van der Stel who was Governor of the Cape of Good Hope at the time. This makes Muratie one of the oldest estates in South Africa and along with that age comes many characters and truly fascinating stories. The Melck family has revived this rich heritage in an updated yet classical evolution of the brand, naming its range after many of these colourful characters. For example, the MCC bubbly is known as Lady Alice. She is joined by Ansela van de Caab (blended red), George Paul Canitz (Pinot Noir), Ronnie Melck (Shiraz), Alberta Annemarie (Merlot), Laurens Campher (blended white), Isabella (Chardonnay) and Ben Prins (Port). It is not only the label that has changed. The wine itself has also undergone incredible changes in quality, under the creative hand of winemaker Hattingh De Villiers and his team. This has seen Muratie become a serious and respected player in the Bordeaux blend, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir stakes. Historically, Muratie has been known for being the first producer of Pinot Noir as well as fine ports. Along with the development of other varietals, Muratie has elevated itself into a new appreciation amongst truly discerning wine lovers.

The Muratie Cabernet Sauvignon was made from three different blocks on the estate. The vines were planted in 1993 and 1998. All the vineyards are North West facing and at an elevation of 260 m above sea level. The root stocks are Richter 101 and 114.

The grapes were handpicked and sorted before destemming and cooled down to 10°C and cold soaked 1-2 days for good colour extraction. Different strains of yeasts were used for inoculation for diverse flavours. After fermentation the wine is racked and skins are pressed to concrete tanks, where it undergoes spontaneous MLF before being removed from lees and matured in 10% new French oak barrels for 18 months. The fruit, tannin and fine acidity indicate a wine of balance and finesse reflective of the Simonsberg terroir