During the festive season, we've had many visitors and it was great seeing regulars as well as meeting new visitors to Mellasat. At times it felt like the good old days, where holidaymakers and tourists would visit and enjoy our scenery and our wine.
On the other hand, I know of a lot of people that couldn’t spend the festive season with their families due to illness or isolation, and that is really sad.
On a more positive note ….
We walked the vineyards earlier this week and, so far, it has been a slow-growing season. This is particularly good as slow ripening adds to the complexity and structure of the final product in the bottle. The grapes are still green, and we will keep checking so that we will be able to harvest the fruit at optimum ripeness. We had some rain during November and the night temperatures are still relatively low. Last year we reported that the Tempranillo suffered some damage due to downy mildew. This year we are excited to report that, even though we had some rain, we sprayed in time to protect the vines against Downey Mildew so the Tempranillo grapes are healthy and there are plenty of them!!! From a winemaker’s point of view, this is great news, and also for the followers of our Tempranillo.
During the next couple of weeks, we will be getting the cellar ready for the 2022 harvest. This means cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning!! Hygiene is such an important aspect of the winemaking process. If you have a clean cellar, the chances are your wine will also stay healthy. Even though the cellar is cleaned during the course of the year, now is the time to get the processing equipment in good, clean and working condition.
We are also preparing and stabilising some wines for bottling in February. This also means more space for the 2022 grapes.
From Tuesday 4 January 2022 our opening hours are back to normal. We have our delicious Cheese & Charcuterie platters available and it is only R215.00 for 2 people. Come and enjoy the tranquility of our beautiful valley.
Since summer is here and spending time outdoors is the thing to do, why not try this delicious, refreshing Watermelon & Feta Salad. Perfect for picnics, an accompaniment to your braai or just by itself as a lunch snack. The Salad also pairs well with our 2021 Shiraz Rosé!
Chop 180g watermelon and ½ cucumber into chunks and tip into a bowl with the leaves from ½ bunch mint (reserving a few for garnish) and drizzle with 1 tbsp. olive oil. Season and pile onto a serving plate. Crumble over 100g feta, the remaining mint leaves, then drizzle with 1 tbsp. balsamic glaze just before serving.
Prep: 5 minutes
Serves 2
Bon Appetit!
Contact Elzaan for more information at tastingroom@mellasat.com or call us from Monday – Friday between 09:30 and 17:00.
Stay positive, appreciate your loved ones, and keep safe and healthy!
