COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2023
GRAPE
Merlot
PRODUCER
Excelsior Estate
REGION
Western Cape
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium - High
Finish
Medium - Long
Intensity
Mid - Pronounced
Tannins
Medium - Low
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Excelsior Estate, located in the Robertson region of South Africa's Western Cape, has been home to the De Wet family since 1859. Now managed by the fifth generation, the estate has a rich history that predates its vines; it was once a renowned thoroughbred racehorse stud farm. The calcium-rich limestone soils that once helped young horses develop strong bones are now credited with giving Excelsior's vines their unique character. The horse depicted on the label serves as a proud tribute to this equine heritage. Today, the family operates under the philosophy that great wine is grown in the vineyard and merely perfected in the cellar, maintaining a deep commitment to sustainable farming and supporting the local community.
ALCOHOL
14.5%
AVG. PRICE
€13
STYLE
Classic
VEGAN
YES
SULPHITES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
14-18°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
The estate was once a famous thoroughbred racehorse stud farm, where limestone soils helped horses build strong bones.
Fact 02
The De Wet family has farmed this land since 1859, when Koos de Wet settled here after eloping with his brother's fiancée.
Fact 03
The 2023 vintage was awarded a Gold Medal at the prestigious Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards.
FOOD PAIRING
Read more
WINE MAKING PROCESS
The winemaking process for the 2023 vintage began with 100% hand-harvesting to ensure strict quality control. In the cellar, the grapes were sorted and destemmed but kept as whole berries to preserve primary fruit characteristics and avoid harsh tannin extraction. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for seven days at 28–32°C, with aerated racking performed twice daily to soften the young tannins. Following a gentle bladder pressing, malolactic fermentation was completed in stainless steel. The wine was then aged using a dual approach: 45% of the blend matured in a combination of French and American oak barrels for six months, while the remaining 55% was kept in stainless steel tanks to retain freshness. The components were then blended and matured for up to 18 months before bottling.
