COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2003
GRAPE
Merlot
PRODUCER
Villiera Wines
REGION
Western Cape
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Finish
Medium - Long
Intensity
Mid - Pronounced
Tannins
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Established in 1983 by cousins Jeff and Simon Grier, Villiera Wines is a pioneering estate located on the historic border of Stellenbosch and Paarl in South Africa. Renowned for its conservation-first philosophy, the estate dedicates over 220 hectares to an active wildlife sanctuary and operates sustainably using solar power and rainwater harvesting. Villiera was an early champion of Merlot in the region, releasing its first single-varietal bottling in 1989 to meet the growing demand for softer, more approachable red wines.
ALCOHOL
14.5%
AVG. PRICE
€20
STYLE
Classic
VEGAN
NO
SULPHITES
YES
When to drink
Passed
Ideal temperature
16-18°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Villiera dedicates over 220 hectares of its estate to an active Wildlife Sanctuary, fostering local bird and mammal populations.
Fact 02
The estate was a pioneer of South African Merlot, releasing one of the country's first single-varietal bottlings in 1989.
Fact 03
Historically situated on the Paarl-Stellenbosch border, Villiera's older vintages reflect this unique regional transition.
FOOD PAIRING
Read more
WINE MAKING PROCESS
The 2003 Merlot was crafted from low-yielding vines grown on clay-gravel and sandy soils, which naturally restrict vigor and concentrate fruit flavors. Hand-managed viticulture under sustainable guidelines ensured optimal fruit health. In the cellar, the grapes underwent natural fermentation with partial whole-berry integration to preserve bright, juicy fruit characteristics. The wine was then matured for approximately 12 months in 225-liter French oak barrels, utilizing a blend of new and seasoned tight-grain oak to subtly integrate wood structure.
