Glenelly Glass Collection Merlot 2019

The grapes were lightly crushed into stainless steel tanks. The fermentation was done by natural yeast with a mixture of rack and returns and open pump overs. Post fermentation skin contact for 2-3 weeks and pressed gently. Malolactic fermentation occurred in French oak barrels. Racked on average every 4 months. Matured during 12 months in oak.

Winter was cold and wet which was helping replenish soil moisture after the drought. Although Glenelly had a cool spring, they still had good bud burst Fluctuations in weather during flowering and berry set resulted in loose uneven bunches with small berries. Veraison started earlier than usual. Cool conditions in growth season, bunch ripening was varied. In the beginning of February, they had intense heat which accelerated the harvest of the early varieties. Harvest was challenging with wet conditions at end of February through to March which meant that we had a long 3 week break in the harvest which increase the ripening time for Glenelly. The harvest was smaller than previous years but high quality.

This wine was made to enjoy now, however, it can be aged for a further two to three years in the correct conditions.

Merlot

This is a versatile wine and can be enjoyed with most foods or simply enjoyed on its own.