Presentation
"French Cellars" is a range of wines selected by "Private Collection" for the quality of its blends and the diversity of its grape varieties. These wines are produced in the south of France by two winemakers trained in Australia.
Terroir
This Merlot is a blend of wines from different regions of the Pays d'Oc.
There are 2 types of soils:
- acidic soils with pebbles in the valleys (giving a smoky flavor to the wines),
- clay-limestone soils on the terraces (giving fuller-bodied wines).
In the vineyard
The vines have an average age of 10 years.
Winemaking
The vinification of this Merlot consists of relatively long macerations and a small proportion of carbonic maceration to preserve as much fruit as possible.
Ageing
A portion of the final blend is aged in contact with wood for 6 to 9 months.
Varietal
Merlot : 100%
Specifications
Tasting
With a very dark, almost black color, this wine is complex, rich, long, and full-bodied. It has flavors of crushed black fruits (blackberries, blackcurrants, cherries), jam, cooked fruits, and spices (cinnamon, thyme). In the mouth, it is round, rich, and long ("velvety") with mature tannins on the finish. It is well-balanced and easy to drink.
Food pairings
Serve this Merlot at 16 - 18°C. It pairs perfectly with traditional or spicy cuisine: stuffed tomatoes, lentil stew, steak, chicken with ratatouille.