Cousiño-Macul Classic Merlot

Cousiño-Macul Classic Merlot

After being harvested, the Merlot grapes were immediately crushed and given a cold soak for 6 days prior to an 8-10 day fermentation. For complexity, the winemaking team used both native and prise de mousse yeast and the must was pumped over three times a day during the first several days. The resulting wine was given an extended maceration of 7 days before being pressed off its skins and finally, the wine rested in the cellars for several months before being bottled. 

Tasting Notes

Deep garnet, this Merlot has black cherry and earthy notes. Medium bodied with excellent balance and structure, it displays fresh herb, cherry, and tobacco leaf flavors. This Merlot is a perfect accompaniment for pasta, roasted turkey, chicken and pork loin.

Food Pairing

It's especially good with creamy cheeses, like Brie and Camembert.

After being harvested, the Merlot grapes were immediately crushed and given a cold soak for 6 days prior to an 8-10 day fermentation. For complexity, the winemaking team used both native and prise de mousse yeast and the must was pumped over three times a day during the first several days. The resulting wine was given an extended maceration of 7 days before being pressed off its skins and finally, the wine rested in the cellars for several months before being bottled. 

Tasting Notes

Deep garnet, this Merlot has black cherry and earthy notes. Medium bodied with excellent balance and structure, it displays fresh herb, cherry, and tobacco leaf flavors. This Merlot is a perfect accompaniment for pasta, roasted turkey, chicken and pork loin.

Food Pairing

It's especially good with creamy cheeses, like Brie and Camembert.

Vineyard & Production Info

Vineyard name:
Buin and Macul Vineyards
Vineyard size:
Various acres
Soil composition:
Calcareous soil, sand and rough stone
Elevation:
1,320-1,890 feet
Vines/acre:
920-2,000
Yield/acre:
2.6 tons
Exposure:
North and South
Harvest time:
March
First vintage of this wine:
2002

Winemaking & Aging

Maceration length:
7
Varietal composition:
100% Merlot
Fermentation container:
Stainless steel tanks
Length of alcoholic fermentation:
8-10 days
Maceration technique:
Pump over
Type of aging container:
Stainless steel tanks
Size of aging container:
41,000 L
Length of aging before bottling:
3 months
Length of bottle aging:
3 months

Analytical Data

pH level:
3.6
Acidity:
4.8 g/L
Alcohol:
13.3 %
Residual sugar:
3 g/L