The history of Plaisir de Merle is a story of exceptional people who helped create a proud viticultural heritage. The farm dates back to 1687 when the French Huguenot, Charles Marais and his family were granted land by Governor Simon van der Stel. They named the farm Le Plessis Marly after their small village in France.

Despite the untimely death of Charles Marais, the farm prospered under his descendants so that when the manor house was completed in 1764, Le Plessis Marly boasted 35 000 vines. The farm was eventually passed on to the Hugo family at the beginning of the 19th century through the marriage of Rachel Jacoba Marais to Daniel Hugo. The farm changed hands several more times before being purchased by Stellenbosch Farmers’ Winery in 1964. For the best part of the 20th century, citrus and deciduous fruit were the main crops on the farm but SFW recognized its vinous potential and once again vines were planted under the direction of the illustrious Paul Pontallier, director of famed Bordeaux First Growth, Château Margaux.

In 1993 a totally new cellar was opened. Not only is it breathtakingly beautiful but also superbly efficient, combining the old and new, simple and sophisticated, functional and aesthetic.  A gentle moat surrounds the cellar, softening the facade while inside, the abundant use of wood contrasts with the technologically advanced stainless steel tanks and machinery.

Appropriately the frieze that graces the cellar entrance pays tribute to and celebrates the farm’s early pioneers whose toil has left such a valuable legacy.

LOCATION

The diversity of soils, slopes and elevations have played a key role in Plaisir de Merle’s success as a producer of fine wines. Situated on the east-facing slopes of the Simonsberg, the vineyards on this 975 hectare farm, are protected from the hot late afternoon sun as it slips behind the peaks towering above.   The well drained, weathered granite soils with their good moisture retention abilities allow for successful dryland cultivation of vines.

WINEMAKER PROFILE

Few Cape wine farms can boast a winemaker who has been around since the beginning and here is perhaps Plaisir de Merle’s trump card. Niel Bester has been winemaker since the cellar’s opening in 1993.  He was also mentored by Dr Pontallier at Château Margaux before taking up his position as winemaker.

Niel has first choice of the farm’s grape harvest.  Says Pontallier of Niel’s wines: “They are unique in the South African context. They have a special balance.  They have a lot of power and strength, yet they are soft and round.”