Located just 7 km from the False Bay coastline, the estate benefits from a natural break in the coastal ridge that funnels cool south and southwesterly breezes directly toward the vineyards. These winds play a vital role in moderating summer temperatures, creating an ideal climate for premium viticulture.
The estate spans 40 hectares under vine, established in 2004 with a diverse selection of varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Pinotage, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chenin Blanc.
Merry Widow 2022 was made with the utmost attention and detail to deliver an
extremely high quality end product which can be matured for up to eight years. The 28-year-old Shiraz vines are located in Glenrosa and Hutton gravel soil which offers the desirable properties to produce grapes of the highest quality. A total yield of
35 tons of Shiraz was harvested.
Merry Widow Shiraz was named after the US special delivery stamp which became known as the Merry Widow through the operetta Merry Widow, composed by Franz Lehar in 1905. British actress, Lily Elsie took up the main role and had a fondness for large-brimmed, heavily be-plumed hats, which became known as Merry Widow hats and resembled the hat on the special delivery stamp.
Grape Variety
100% Shiraz
Details
Alcohol: 14.5%
Extract:26.9 g/l
Residual Sugar: 1.8 g/l
Total acidity: 5.2 g/l
Total SO2: 99 mg/l
PH: 3,59
Skin Contact: Shiraz 14 days
Vinification
The grapes were fermented, using natural yeasts from the vineyard. The skins were pushed down 4-8 times during peak fermentation. Malolactic fermentation took place in the barrel where the wine had minimal handling. Use was made of traditional gravity flow and no mechanical pumps were used in the wine
making process. The wines were racked 3 times over a 24-month period. There was no filtration and the sulphur levels were kept to a minimum.
Aging
100% barrel aged in French and American oak barrels.
20% new French and American oak barrels.
24 months in 225 liter barrels.
Tasting Notes
Dark red wine with an inkiness picked up on the nose and palate. A nose of blackcurrant,
chocolate, white pepper, cinnamon, raspberry and a hint of floral petals. An elegant wine with firm
but supple tannins. Rounded ripe fruit giving a long and lingering finish.
Temperature of service: 14-16°C
Food & Wire Pairing
Merry Widow’s bold character stands up well to richly flavored dishes, making it a perfect partner for robust meals and cozy evenings.
Ideal Food Pairings:
Grilled or Charred Meats: Ribeye steak, lamb chops, beef short ribs, or venison—especially when flame-grilled or barbecued.
Slow-Cooked Dishes: Oxtail stew, beef bourguignon, or braised lamb shanks.
Spicy Cuisine: Dishes with warm spices, pepper-crusted meats, or mildly spiced sausages.
Rich Vegetarian Options: Mushroom risotto, eggplant Parmesan, or lentil and black bean chili.
Cheese Pairings: Aged cheddar, gouda, or blue cheese with a touch of sweetness like fig or date preserves.