Irvine Sparkling Merlot MV

Tasting Notes: Current release

The concept of bottling Merlot as a sparkling wine came from the re-emergence of interest in Australian sparkling “burgundy”. More than unusual in the use of Merlot, I saw the possibility of the extension of the varietal aspect in an old favourite style. This particular wine has been aged in older oak casks to give maturity but not oak flavours, so lifting the Merlot characters in their own right. The elegance and richness of Merlot was such that it needed to be balanced by less than the usual liqueuring, hence the “brut” designation. The dryer taste, the creaming of the bead, and the clear cut Merlot flavour all combine to give a truly individual sparkling red wine.

The quantity is quite small, so making a rare wine in yet another dimension. The wine is certainly a very different approach to matching with food. The suggestion is to enjoy either as an aperitif, or with the richer flavoured game dishes. Either way gives great appreciation and enjoyment.