Palena Merlot - Chile

• Vintage: 2019
• Origin: Central Valley, Chile
• Taste guide: Medium bodied, pleasant spice and dark berry nose with a nicely structured palate. Decent finish with hints of smoke/coffee as it was oak aged for 3 months.
• 75cl - screwcap closure - 13.5%
• Food Pairings: We enjoyed this with a good old cottage pie but it will pair well with many other red meat dishes or simply on it's own - enjoy!

The wine company behind this Merlot is located in Curico Valley and has a large arsenal of vineyards. The Palena wine estate dates from 1879 and the wines are named after the Palena area, a fantastic region in the Chilean lake region in the southernmost corner of the country. This region is a gem in terms of nature where you will also find the natural, pure water reservoirs and the pristine forests of Patagonia. The wines are produced at the famous wine estate Valdivieso in Lontue under the guidance of their experienced team. They produce wines that contain everything that Chile excels in: rich, vibrant flavours with a soft texture. The Palena series is characterised primarily by their excellent price-quality ratio.

The Merlot grapes come from vineyards in the best terroirs of Central Valley: Maipo, Casablanca, Colchagua and Maule. The harvest takes place manually, (which retains more of the depth and flavour of the grapes) in April. The alcoholic fermentation takes place under controlled temperatures, followed by a 3-month maturation on French oak barriques.

This 100% Merlot has pleasant notes of ripe plums, sweet spices, chocolate and a delicate smoky touch in the nose. On the palate, the Palena Merlot is soft and lush with ripe tannins that ensure a long finish and good structure.

Seen elsewhere online at as much as £11.75, nearly half that here at just £6.45