More Information - Eagles’ Nest Constantia Merlot 2020
Meticulous attention in the vineyard and cellar combine to produce a wine of bright ruby colour, textured fruit purity and tantalisingly firm yet more-ish tannins. As with all Eagles’ Nest red wines, there is a subtle peppery savouriness that makes this wine both distinctive and gives testament to its origin on a cool windswept mountainside. Flavours of mulberry, dark chocolate and tobacco adds further complexity. The palate is full and structured, with balanced tannins and a focused, persistent mouthfeel.
Back Story & Wine Information
In the late 1600s, Eagles’ Nest operated as a commercial farm. For decades it produced export fruit and supplied vegetables to the local market. In the year 2000, tragedy struck when a devastating fire sprawled along the Cape Peninsula mountains, destroying 95% of the estate and wiping out the natural fyn-bos vegetation. In the wake of this event, we faced a critical choice: to rebuild or re-imagine. After much consideration, we chose to shift the focus of our farm to wine making.
Along with the planting of vineyards, it was a priority to restore the indigenous flora. We planted 25,000 Silver Tree seeds and thousands of other fyn-bos varieties, carefully selecting species that would thrive in the Constantia mountains. Today, we are home to one of the largest Silver Tree plantations in South Africa.
Pairing
Meat dishes
Slow-cooked lamb shank: The rich, slow-cooked flavor of lamb shank is a perfect match for the intensity of the Reserve Merlot, according to the Eagles' Nest Instagram page.
Grilled or roasted beef: Pair with grilled ribeye or other hearty beef cuts to complement the wine's robust flavors.
Venison: As another richly flavored meat, venison is an excellent pairing, notes Wine of the Month.
Hearty stews: The wine's depth and spice notes will stand up to rich, slow-cooked stews.
