Les Oliviers Merlot Mourvèdre provides us with a Southern French twist on classic Merlot. This is a deep, intense red wine with a taste of juicy red berries and a hint of spice. An affordable wine for those looking to try something with a fresh character and a little complexity.

Production

Olive groves and vines flourish in the sun-drenched vineyards of the Languedoc in southern France and it is this area that the Boutinot winemaking team uncovered a single plot of Merlot (which produced ripe, luscious fruit) and a single plot of Mourvèdre – a variety which would provide a hint of spice to the easy drinking style of Les Oliviers. Grapes are de-stemmed and macerated at cool temperatures prior to fermentation (in order to retain the fresh fruit flavours) and the wine is vinified without oak before the final blend is assembled.

Tasting Notes

Brightly perfumed fruit, a hint of lavender, then classic Merlot flavours: ripe and rich red summer berries, plums and damsons. Mourvèdre shows its grip with warm spice and a green, herby edge on the finish. Can be enjoyed with or without food, although it would happily partner hearty pastas and Mediterrannean dishes flavoured with tomatoes, olives or anchovies.