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#MakeMerlotMatter on National Merlot Day:

Where Flavour and Festivity Unite on 8 September 2023. 

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Share your Merlot pics, tag @hallomerlot and include the hashtags #HalloMerlot #MakeMerlotMatter #NationalMerlotDay in your social media posts before or on 8 September 2023.

HALLO MERLOT

Celebrating the World's Most Fascinating Grape

WHY MERLOT?

Merlot is often seen as a perfect blending partner that brings a velvety softness to the final wine.

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However, numerous examples exist worldwide of full-bodied wines with good colour, balanced tannins and the ability to age well.

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With careful grape and wine production techniques it is known that Merlot has its place amongst the great wines of the world.


How to go about achieving these outcomes is the primary focus of this website and we aim to achieve this through the sharing of ideas and concepts that have proven to be successful in the field.

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Wine Toasting

ABOUT US

We really love Merlot and the prospects it brings to South Africa. 


We aim to promote and improve of wine made from the Merlot grape variety and provide a platform for acquiring existing and new knowledge and sharing it with members and producers through workshops and online dialogues.

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Our hope is that through better knowledge and information sharing we can facilitate the improvement of both the image and quality of South African Merlot and Merlot-based blends.

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The Merlot Forum also focuses on Merlot marketing, awareness and identifying valuable research that can contribute to making Merlot matter to more South Africans.

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COMMITTEE

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DAWIE BOTHA

ALL THINGS WINE

IDIOM WINES

KELSEY FARM

NILBERG WINERY

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2024 TARANSAUD MERLOT TOP 10

Hallo Merlot and Taransaud are pleased to present the 2024 Top 10 Merlot competition to find the best Merlot in South Africa.   Complete the form below and email it to merlot@hallomerlot.co.za

Important Dates


Closing date for entries:    17:00, 29 April 2024.
Closing date for late entries:    17:00, 10 May 2024.
Delivery dates for entries:    09:00 - 16:00,16 & 17 May 2024
Judging:    21 & 22 May 2024.
Announcement of Results:    12 June 2024.

Selecting the best Merlot is our judging panel.

 

Matthew Copeland, Panel Chairman & Host
Co-Chairman Merlot Foru, Senior Winemaker Vondeling Wines

 

Samarie Smith-Meletiou
Educator & Wine writer

 

Jenna Higgins
Winemaker Wolvenhoek Vineyards

 

LeRoi van der Vyver
Head Sommelier Elgr Restaurant

 

Morné Very
Winemaker Delaire Graff

 

Shane Mumba
SA Brandy Ambassador

2024 Taransaud Top 10 Winners 

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Anthonij Rupert Wines

Merlot 2018

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Origin: 2018

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Dornier

Merlot 2020

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Origin: Stellenbosch

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Nilberg Estate

Merlot 2017

Merlot Reserve 2018

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Origin: Stellenbosch

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Bein Private Cellar

Little Merlot 2021

Origin: Stellenbosch

 

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Glenelly

Glass Collection Merlot 2020

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Origin: Stellenbosch

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Quoin Rock

Merlot 2021

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Origin: Stellenbosch

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Delaire Graff

Banghoek Reserve 2021

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Origin: Stellenbosch

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Kloovenburg

Merlot 2021

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Orgin: Riebeek-Kasteel

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Zorgvliet

Merlot 2021

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Origin: Stellenbosch

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NEWS

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KLOOVENBERG COMES OUT ON TOP AT TOP 10 MERLOT

12 June 2024

 

Riebeek-Kasteel's Kloovenberg took the overall top spot in the Taransaud Top 10 Merlot Competition.  With a strong representation from the Stellenbosch region, the competition display some truly amazing wines

FAQS

You Ask, We Answer

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BECOME A MEMBER?

An annual fee of R600 per entity (not individual) is required. This amount is charged every financial year, starting in February. If you decide to join us any other time of the year, a pro rata membership fee will be applicable.

WHAT ARE THE #HALLOMERLOT BENEFITS?

Hallo Merlot members include like-minded wine academics, estates and wineries, corporates and wine enthusiasts who believe in the prosperity of Merlot production in South Africa. Members receive VIP invitations to networking events, marketing exposure and the opportunity to participate in national conversations about Merlot development.

CAN I BECOME A MEMBER IF I DO NOT REPRESENT A WINE ENTITY?

We're working on it! For now, we are working to build our community of wine professionals and gain the support we need to sustain our not-for-profit platform. Follow us at @hallomerlot for updates or mail us at merlot@merlotforum.co.za

HALLO MERLOT SPONSORS

A Warm Thank You to Our Sponsors who Help Maintain this Project

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GET IN TOUCH

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