De Grendel Wines has released the inaugural vintage of its De Tijger Merlot 2022. For decades, the estate has championed Merlot as one of its signature varieties—a grape often underestimated by critics but cherished by South African wine enthusiasts.
The 2022 vintage continues this legacy, reflecting the character of the harvest, the Tygerberg terroir, and De Grendel’s enduring mastery of Merlot.
A Name Rooted in the Tygerberg
De Tijger takes its name from the Tygerberg Hill, home to De Grendel Estate in Cape Town. Early Dutch settlers, mistaking the leopard-like spots of indigenous Renosterveld vegetation for “tiger” markings, named the hill “Tygerberg.” Today, these same Renosterveld habitats are among the most endangered in the Cape. As a WWF Conservation Champion, De Grendel proudly protects this natural heritage — preserving both the landscape and the story behind its name.
A Bold New Expression of Merlot
Cellar Master Charles Hopkins and Winemaker Morgan Steyn have long believed that Merlot holds untapped potential in South Africa. De Tijger is their answer: a bolder, more structured interpretation of the variety that reflects De Grendel’s distinctive style.
The grapes were harvested from a block located directly above the estate’s cellar — home to some of its oldest vines, balancing growth and yield on the south-western slopes of Malmesbury shale and clay. The maritime climate adds natural freshness and balance to the concentrated fruit.
“We’ve always had demand for a Merlot with more weight, richness, and longevity,” says Hopkins. “This site gives us that structure naturally, and with careful farming and winemaking, we can express it in a way that still feels authentically De Grendel.”
Craftsmanship in the Vineyard and Cellar
For Steyn, restraint defines De Tijger’s power. Through leaf-thinning, green harvesting, and low yields, the vines focus their energy on smaller, flavour-intense berries. “This block is the oldest on the estate,” he explains. “That age delivers grapes of real intensity, and with our hands-off approach, the wine speaks of its place.”
Hopkins’s influence is evident in every barrel. Having shaped De Grendel’s cellar since 2005, he remains committed to mentoring the next generation. His philosophy — honour the land, guide the people — has become part of the estate’s DNA, embodied in Steyn’s meticulous approach.
Vintage Conditions and Winemaking
The 2022 harvest followed a cool winter and spring, leading to a later harvest punctuated by three brief heatwaves in January. Despite the challenges, the vines delivered exceptional fruit. Strict selection limited production to just 15 barrels.
Grapes were hand-harvested and fermented in conical stainless-steel tanks using the aerated pump-over method for gentle tannin extraction. The wine then matured for 18 months in French oak (50 percent new, 50 percent seasoned).
In the glass, De Tijger Merlot 2022 shines a deep ruby, with aromas of black cherry, plum, and cassis, layered with cedar, mocha, and tomato leaf. The palate reveals plush fruit framed by fine tannins and balanced acidity, finishing with lingering notes of blackberry and espresso. While expressive now, its structure promises graceful ageing for up to a decade.
Merlot Reimagined for South Africa
For De Grendel, De Tijger Merlot is both a tribute and a statement — a reminder that Merlot deserves a leading role in South African winemaking. It also honours the Tygerberg, whose slopes shape both the estate’s skyline and its sense of place.
“South Africa is still discovering its Merlot story,” says Hopkins. “We want De Grendel to be part of writing that narrative — showing that Merlot here can be as layered, structured, and rewarding as anywhere in the world.”
Availability
De Tijger Merlot 2022 (RRP R350)
Available directly from www.degrendel.co.za, at the estate’s tasting room and restaurant, and through Meridian Wine Merchants nationwide. Only 4 500 bottles produced.