Cousiño-Macul Classic Merlot
Wine Description
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.
Acclaim
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:
3.61
Acidity:
4.87 g/L
Alcohol:
14 %
Residual sugar:
3.4 g/L