Merlot Cabernet 2018 North Canterbury Main Divide

Main Divide is the local name for the mighty range of Southern Alps which form the backbone of Te Wai Pounamu, the South Island of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

The Donaldson Family's aim is to produce wines that reflect the unspoilt freshness, purity and cool climate of the south, while retaining in each, its individual regional and varietal character.

The fruit for these wines comes from their Main Divide Te Hau vineyard situated on the Glasnevin Gravels of the Waipara Valley, North Canterbury. 

Main Divide's philosophy is based on individuality and harmony - they wish to produce distinctive, vibrant, and complex wines that reflect the unique aspects of their region.

This Merlot blend is made using the time honoured methods for Claret from Bordeaux, including pumping over on the skins during fermentation to give plenty of aeration, providing ripe, soft, but substantial tannins.

After pressing off, it is matured for 12 -18 months in oak barriques.

While always being Merlot dominant, it can also contain Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec depending on the vintage.

The resulting wine is ripe and full bodied with plenty of complexity, structure and length.

Raspberry fruit flavours abound delivering a rich, mid palate whilst the Cabernet adds structure, length and wild blackcurrant characteristics.