Produced around the world in the U.S.A., Chile, France, and Italy—and just about everywhere else that wine grapes are grown—Merlot is often used as a blending grape, but many well-known winemakers craft 100 percent varietal specific wines. It has milder acidity and softer tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec and Merlot generally has more of a fruit forward taste profile.
Gimblett Gravels has often been called New Zealand’s best terroir for growing Bordeaux grape varieties. The region features an ancient riverbed located on the right bank of the existing Ngaruroro River, and the soils are known for alluvial rocks and pebbles with very little to no organic matter. The stones absorb much of the sun’s daytime heat and radiantly keep the vines warm at night to promote ripening of the grapes. Craggy Range Sophia 2022 is composed of 77 percent Merlot and 23 percent Cabernet Franc and has intense aromas of cassis, dark chocolate, and mulberry. It has bright acidity and soft tannins that support flavors of mocha, brown baking spices, and ripe red cherry.
Excerpt Taken From: Robb Report
Author: Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen
