Cape Town is famous for its magnificent wine farms set against dramatic valleys of colourful tapestries, beautiful vineyards and incredible range of wineries.

Set in the beautiful heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands, situated on the Polkadraai Road is where you will find the home and boutique winery of Nico van der Merwe Wines.

Nico van der Merwe has already established himself as one of South Africa’s best winemakers. He became the winemaker at Saxenburg Estate in Stellenbosch where he made their award-winning wines. He also gained invaluable experience in France, Germany and South Africa.

After many years of hard work and for nearly two decades cellar-mastering at Saxenburg, Nico van der Merwe and his wife Petra decided it was time to build, market and support their own brand.

They started making wine under their own label and the first vintage under the brand, Mas Nicolas was vinified. Since then a cellar has since been built, and their tasting room is now open to the public.

Nicolas Van Der Merwe MCC Brut Chardonnay

Upon arrival we received a glass of Nicolas Van Der Merwe MCC Brut Chardonnay. This pale straw coloured Méthode Cap Classique shows a vibrant intensity, yet remains elegant and fine in style. On the nose it shows hints of subtle yeastiness and brioche. The palate is balanced, with a fine, lingering, crisp finish – all perfectly integrated for pure enjoyment, no matter what the occasion might be.

Nicolas Van Der Merwe five to nine Sauvignon Blanc 2015

The grapes of this “five to nine” Sauvignon Blanc were harvested on cool mornings only between five and nine o’clock to preserve freshness and optimum cultivar flavours.

Handled very reductive, cold fermented with selected yeast strains, no wood and no malolactic fermentation, instead lees contact was allowed for enhanced depth and texture.

This is a great Sauvignon Blanc with great balance and poise. Beautiful lime fruit and fresh herbs on the nose. Clean and fresh palate with an elegant structure.

Nicolas Van Der Merwe five to nine Sauvignon Blanc 2017

We also tasted the Sauvignon Blanc 2017 which is quite fruity compared to the fresh, vibrant minerality of the Sauvignon Blanc 2015.

The wine shows beautiful characters with complex flavours such as grass, tropical and floral. With its long fruity finish and elegant structure, this wine is great to enjoy with fish.

Nicolas Van Der Merwe Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon 2015

White blends account for some of the most celebrated top-end wines in South Africa. This crispy blend with a complex mouth feel and long fruity finish will compliment any dishes like salads, pastas and fish.

A lively, crisp white blend with grassy and fresh tropical fruit notes from the Sauvignon Blanc which when combined with the Semillon gives the wine an element of complexity and fullness.

Nicolas Van Der Merwe Red Blend 2013
Blends are some of the most complex and interesting types of wine. It can enhance aromas, colour, texture & body, making it a more well-rounded and complex wine.

Nico Van Der Merwe’s red blend consists of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The wine has a deep, dark purple colour with prominent dark fruit and berries on the nose. On the palate, the wine has great depth with a very refined tannin structure followed by a long elegant finish.

Nicolas Van Der Merwe Syrah 2015

This Syrah is full-bodied, elegant with soft tannins. A deep ruby colour with spicy aromas and hints of chocolate, coffee and black fruit on the nose.

This Syrah with its warm spicy flavours and hints of coffee strikes a fine balance between fruit and tannins.

It is a well balanced wine with a lingering taste of cherries and ripe plums

Mas Nicolas 2013

This wine is a combination of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Shiraz and has bee matured in French Oak barrels for 14 months.

It is a elegant yet full-bodied wine with soft tannins. On the palate it is quite intense with flavours of black fruit and mocca hints.

Mas Nicolas 2009

We ended off a great tasting experience with the Mas Nicolas 2009. The palate is dominated by black fruit, plums and savoury meet flavours.

This is a hidden gem in the heart of Stellenbosch. What a wonderful time to spent with the winemaker, Nico Van Der Merwe, sharing in his passion, knowledge and wisdom while tasting superb wines.

Categories: Cultivar, Region, Sauvignon Blanc, Stellenbosch, SyrahTags: Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch