Grey Glacier, Colchagua Valley, Merlot, Chile 2019. Next step on my wine journey is Merlot. Merlot is the most planted grape in Bordeaux, France and on the left bank of the Gironde Estuary is the main stay of some of the most famous wines in the world from areas or appellations such as Pomerol and St. Emilion. Wines such as Petrus can reach stratospheric prices. Certainly, for the moment something one can only aspire to tasting.
Grey Glacier, Colchagua Valley, Merlot, Chile 2019
| Wine Style | Smooth with lots of ripe cherry flavours |
| Food Pairing | Pizza to Steak |
| Grape Variety | Merlot |
| Country of Origin | Chile |
| Region | Colchagua Valley |
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Alcohol | 13.5% |
| Suitable for | Certified vegan friendly |
What is Merlot?
Don’t worry Merlot is the second most planted variety of vines in the world and grows well in moderate to warm climates so there is lots to try. It is used to produce fruity yet complex wines in the USA, particularly from the Napa Valley. It is grown extensively in Italy and in Tuscany is blended with the native Sangiovese to produce Supertuscan wines. In Chile Merlot is grown in the Central Valley, Maipo, and Colchagua.
Younger fruit forward Merlots from temperate climates will be full of the aromas and flavours of cherries and plums. Warmer climates and these flavours will be of stewed red fruits. Merlot produces smooth, medium to full bodied wines that will develop hints of tobacco, vanilla and spice if aged in oak. Merlot is one of the most versatile grapes to pair with food. Think chicken or pizza for easy drinking entry level Merlots to steak and peppercorn sauce for a rich, smooth aged Bordeaux.
Grey Glacier, Colchagua Valley, Merlot, Chile 2019
The Grey line wines have been produced by Ventisquero, since 1998 and are named after a famous geological feature. The Apalta region in Colchagua Valley is one of the regions premier wine growing locations. Ventisquero has been nominated as one of New Worlds best wineries making contemporary high-quality wines and is committed to using technology to maximise sustainability in the vineyard.
The grapes are hand harvested and the macerated at a low temperature before fermentation to maximise the extraction of colour and aromas. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks before being aged in a mix of used and new French oak for eighteen months before further bottle aging. Ruby red in appearance the first thing you get is lots of cherry fruit and hints of vanilla and oak on the nose. This is a balanced well-rounded wine with lots and lots of red fruits, cherries, raspberries and plum flavours and hints of leather and tobacco, modest acidity matching silky smooth tannins and a pleasant finish. I really enjoyed this Merlot and would recommend as an easy drinking wine with friends.
The Caskaway 
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