Leg wine: Merlot is the main thing!

Small but mighty: Bein Wein is the smallest winery in the Cape, with Ingrid and Luca Bein cultivating just 2.2 hectares. The vineyard is located on a cool southern slope of the Stellenbosch Polkadraai Hills, 190 meters above sea level. The special thing about the vineyard is that it is planted exclusively with Merlot. Sustainable and environmentally friendly viticulture is very important to the Beins.

The climate is Mediterranean, sunny and relatively dry in summer, but with sufficient rainfall in winter. The ocean within sight provides refreshing breezes and high humidity even in midsummer. This is crucial for harmonious fruit development. The vineyard is ideal for the Merlot grape variety.

Merlot plays the leading role – paired with modern technology

Bein Wein is the only winery in South Africa that concentrates on a single variety: Merlot. Bein Wein produces several different Merlot wines on the small vineyard. How is this possible? The magic word is Precision Viticulture PV. This refers to viticulture that takes into account small-scale soil differences. Modern sensor technology detects these differences from the air. The winegrowing couple has divided the vineyard into smaller zones and cultivates these zones differently. Digital developments – drones, for example – play into the hands of precision viticulture technology.

The sensitive grape variety of blackbirds

Merlot appears to be a simple grape – but far from it! South African winegrowers agree that the terroir- and climate-sensitive Merlot grape is probably the most demanding red variety in South African vineyards. The sensitive Merlot is also a challenge in the wine cellar and must be vinified very carefully.

The Merlot grape variety, which originates from France, is a cross between the almost extinct Magdeleine Noire des Charentes grape variety and Cabernet Franc. The name Merlot probably comes from the French word merle, which means blackbird. The name is said to be a reference to the blackbird’s preference for the red grape variety. The name could also refer to the black-blue color of the berries.

From fruity rosé to complex red wine

Bein Wein produces the fruity rosé Pink Merlot, the berry red wine Little Merlot, the powerful Bein Merlot Reserve and the elegant main wine Bein Merlot

The Pink Merlot impresses with its fine, fruity and dry taste and its strong, radiant color – an irresistible berry pink. The rosé from Bein Wein is just as suitable as an aperitif wine as it is as an accompaniment to summer dishes such as salmon, curry, salads or pizza. You can also enjoy this colorful wine on its own on a warm summer evening. If there is no sunset by the sea in sight, you can at least reminisce with a glass of Pink Merlot…

The Little Merlot impresses with its fresh berry aromas. It is the little brother of the Bein Merlot. The Little Merlot is fruitier and more accessible than its big brother and goes well with almost any dish, from vegetarian to hearty home cooking.

The Merlot leg is the main wine of the vineyard, a beautiful blend of the different lots. This Merlot is matured for around a year in traditional Bordelais barriques. The wine has a typical berry bouquet and spicy barrique aromas. Tip: Decant this wine an hour before drinking and enjoy it with a gourmet meal.

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The lifeblood behind Bein Wein

Luca and Ingrid Bein are originally from Switzerland and have been living in South Africa for many years now. It was love at first sight. The two vets studied viticulture and oenology at Stellenbosch University and have been concentrating on Merlot production in their vineyard ever since.

Sustainable wine production is very important to the winemaker couple. They are involved in the South African Initiative for Sustainable Wine Production(www.swsa.co.za). Bein Wein is certified by IPW South Africa for environmentally friendly and sustainable wine production.

You can also find more information on the Bein Wine website.