Grand Plaisir Red 2020
Grand Plaisir Red 2020
Manufacturer: Plaisir Wines
Plaisir Grand Plaisir Red 2020 is the pinnacle of red winemaking at Plaisir Wine Estate, located on the historic Simonsberg slopes of Paarl. Produced only from the estate’s top vineyard blocks, this Bordeaux-style blend reflects the exceptional terroir of weathered granite soils and the cooling influence of mountain breezes, resulting in a wine of remarkable depth, elegance, and longevity.The 2020 vintage is composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petit Verdot, 10% Merlot, and 10% Malbec. The grapes are hand-harvested, fermented separately in small stainless-steel tanks, and carefully extracted to preserve fruit purity and structure. Following malolactic fermentation, the wine matures for 18 months in French oak barrels, 40% of which are new, before blending and further harmonisation prior to bottling.The bouquet is rich and expressive, offering aromas of red berries, mulberry, ripe plum, cedarwood, and subtle dried herbs. On the palate, the wine is concentrated yet beautifully polished, with layers of ripe cherry, blueberry, plum skin, and dark fruit supported by refined oak integration. Hints of spice and savoury complexity lead to firm yet velvety tannins and a long, elegant finish.Plaisir Grand Plaisir Red 2020 is a sophisticated flagship blend that combines power, elegance, and exceptional ageing potential, making it equally rewarding today and over the next decade.
2020 / 0,75 / 14,55% / Simonsberg-Paarl - South Africa
About the Winery
Plaisir de Merle is one of South Africa’s oldest wine estates, with a history dating back to 1693 when French Huguenot Charles Marais was granted land in the Groot Drakenstein Valley between Paarl and Franschhoek. He named the farm after his hometown, Le Plessis-Marly in France, from which the name Plaisir de Merle eventually evolved, meaning “pleasure of the blackbird.” Marais was among the few French settlers who brought practical winemaking knowledge to the Cape, laying the foundations for the estate’s enduring wine tradition. Over more than three centuries, Plaisir de Merle has grown into one of Paarl’s most respected wine estates. Today, the winery is renowned for producing premium wines from classic international grape varieties while combining rich heritage with modern viticulture and winemaking practices. The estate’s philosophy is rooted in respect for the land, long-term sustainability and the pursuit of wines that authentically express the distinctive character of the Simonsberg terroir.
Terroir
The terroir of Plaisir de Merle is shaped by its exceptional location on the south-eastern slopes of Simonsberg Mountain between Paarl and Franschhoek. The vineyards are planted at elevations ranging from approximately 130 to 370 metres above sea level, benefiting from diverse aspects, elevations and microclimates. The dominant soils consist of weathered granite formations, particularly Tukulu and Hutton soils, which provide excellent drainage while retaining sufficient moisture for vine growth. These conditions allow many vineyards to be dry-farmed with minimal irrigation, encouraging deep root systems and natural fruit concentration. The Mediterranean climate is complemented by cooling mountain influences and regular air movement, promoting slow and even ripening throughout the growing season. This combination of elevation, varied slopes and granite-rich soils gives Plaisir de Merle wines their distinctive elegance, structure, complexity and remarkable ageing potential.
Recommended wine pairings
Grand Plaisir Red 2020