{"title":"Merlot","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe smooth texture and soft tannins of merlot make this a red wine that’s well suited to being sipped on its own – although it also pairs very well with light meats, roasted vegetables and pasta dishes. Merlot can be used as a single varietal or easily combined with other grapes to produce distinctive blends\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThis versatility makes merlot a grape that’s loved the world over – as seen in the Vineking collection of merlots and merlot blends, which takes us on a tour of Europe, South America, Australia and South Africa.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"2021-lautre-mangot-de-chateau-mangot","title":"2021 L'Autre Mangot de Chateau Mangot","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is Chateau Mangot’s “other wine”, making a wonderful comparison to their more traditional Grand Cru.  Made from a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet France, the grapes are sourced from clay and limestone terroirs of the Mangot estate in Saint Étienne de Lisse. No fungicides or weedkillers are used in the vineyard, and the winemaking process is minimal intervention, using wild yeasts and without the addition of sulphites. After fermentation the wine is aged for 8 months in 160 to 750 litre clay amphorae jars to preserve the purity of its fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustainable HVE level 3 certified, Château Mangot has also held organic certification since 2020 and subsequently worked to convert the estate to biodynamic practices. They successfully completed this process in 2023 when they were certified as biodynamic through Biodyvin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTasting Note: Aromas of red cherry with lightly peppery, herbal notes. The palate is bold and powerful with mouth coating tannins, red berry fruit, pepper and a fresh acidity that provides balance. The finish is long with mulberry notes to the end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFood Match: Roast rack of lamb\u003c\/p\u003e\nDrink now – 2030","brand":"Chateau Mangot","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42654739005514,"sku":"B247302211","price":38.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2140\/3211\/files\/L_Autre_Mangot_FGI096_300_dpi_High_Res.jpg?v=1761590588"},{"product_id":"2023-gialdi-vini-baiocco","title":"2023 Gialdi Vini Baiocco","description":"\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003eA good, classic, Ticino-style Merlot at an affordable price. Just a touch of oak and a lot of complexity for a wine at this price point. Gialdi Vini makes wines under 2 brands, Gialdi and Brivio. Feliciano Gialdi and Guido Brivio as a team grew the company to one of the preeminent winemakers of Ticino, in the southern most canton of Switzerland, entirely south of The Alps. It is bordered by the Swiss cantons of Valais, Uri, and Grisons to the north, and shares international borders with Italy to the west and south. The canton is known for being the only one with Italian as its sole official language.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"MEIVB3A\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003eGialdi Vini SA was founded in 1953 by Guglielmo Gialdi and was initially a wine merchant. In 1984, following the purchase of a wine cellar in the north of Ticino, the company began the production of its own Merlot and since then has expanded in a full range covering all the North. In parallel the Brivio family followed a similar path, from a drinks distributor to wine making, focusing on the South of Ticino. One oenologist, Alfred de Martin, is responsible for both ranges of wines,  each with their very distinctive house styles and regional typicity.  \u003cspan\u003eTraditional vinification with maceration for 10-12 days at 28°C in stainless steel tanks. Ageing in second- and third-use barriques for over 10 months\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003eTasting note: Intense ruby red with aromas of ripe red berry fruits and delicate roasted notes and spicy tones. On the palate it is fruity and fresh, a well-bodied and pleasant wine. The wine is beautifully polished with complex red berry fruit laced with liquorice and toasted notes. Impeccably balanced on the finish, this is a wonderful alternative to right bank claret.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"accordion-content\" id=\"accordion-content-features\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003eFood match: R\u003c\/span\u003eed meats or cheese boards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Gialdi Vini","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42791149568074,"sku":"S500401231","price":33.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2140\/3211\/files\/bv_rw_baiocco_1.png?v=1764166523"},{"product_id":"2009-chateau-poujeaux-moulis","title":"2009 Chateau Poujeaux Moulis","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChateau Poujeaux, on the right bank of Bordeaux is a leading Cru Bourgeois property that consistently produces wines of Grand Cru Classé quality. Poujeaux is located in the commune of Moulis and can trace its history back to the 16th century. It has been owned and run since 1921 by the Theil family and today it is brothers Philippe and François who are at the helm. Château Poujeaux has always been characterised by a fairly modern style,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTasting note: A vibrant, deep, inky colour of the vintage and dense, juicy blackcurrant fruit, with hints of mulberry bush, deep, dark, figgy and earthy notes. Classic cassis attack, massive concentration; this is a big wine with impressive length and large-scale tannins. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Poujeaux for the long-term with lovely earthy complexity, this wine oozes with super-ripe tannins and harmonious oak. Although it remains a wine to keep, Château Poujeaux is always pleasant to drink in its youth, we can take great pleasure in the 2009 and 2010, their tannins are present but very integrated. In short, a cru bourgeois for which it is difficult to resist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWine press: \"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"review--source-title pre-title\" data-v-70677ad8=\"\"\u003eJames Suckling\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"body-large--strong\" data-v-70677ad8=\"\"\u003e93-96\/100 \u003c\/span\u003eFull and very velvety, with round and juicy tannins. Creamy. New ownership here is really making a difference in wine quality; this is the best ever after maybe the 1929\".\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chateau Poujeaux","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43111665238090,"sku":"B213501091","price":59.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2140\/3211\/files\/xpoujeaux_2009.jpg.pagespeed.ic.J5zx4QnqyQ.png?v=1782907129"},{"product_id":"2024-cramele-recas-calusari-merlot","title":"2024 Cramele Recas Calusari Merlot","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"intro\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eBack in 1988, three families decided to invest in a winery in Romania, starting with 650ha \u003c\/span\u003eof slightly unloved vineyards and a rusty, formerly state-owned winery. Today, Englishman Philip Cox and his Romanian wife Elvira have turned the Cramele Recas Estate into the most successful winery in Romania.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"intro\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"intro\"\u003eRecas are now recognized globally for their impressive scale and breadth of fascinating wines, including natural and orange wines made from organic grapes. Despite the increase in scale, the emphasis remains on making quality wines that over-deliver – a magic formula that has recently seen sales boom. The vineyards are a combination of old vines and more recent plantings, and the winery has seen significant investment in state of the art facilities.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"intro\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"title\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14px;\"\u003eCrushing and full destemming on all parcels, fermentation in stainless steel with a controlled yeast inoculation at 25-32degC, about 5-7days on skins with gentle pump overs. Pressed with some sugar still present for soft tannins. The ferment finishes off skins, racked off gross lees as soon as dry followed by natural malolactic fermentation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"title\"\u003eTasting Note: Cherry red with violet reflexes and exceptional clarity. The intense aromas of red fruits  lead on to a lovely juicy smooth palate with crisp crunchy acidity, medium body, round active tannins and with a slightly spicy finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"title\"\u003eFood match: Ripened and semi-hard cheeses or roast pork or veal dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Cramele Recas","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43113979478090,"sku":"R200302241","price":10.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2140\/3211\/files\/BOTTLE_4938.png?v=1764505352"},{"product_id":"2020-chateau-franc-maillet-pomerol","title":"2020 Chateau Franc Maillet Pomerol","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eChâteau Franc Maillet 2020 stands as one of the most sought-after wines from the renowned Pomerol region. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTasting note: Well-regarded as a classic, plush, and fruity red with notes of dark berries, chocolate, spice, and earthy nuances. \u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" jscontroller=\"fly6D\" jsuid=\"kegQdc_v\"\u003eJuicy, medium-bodied, plush, and velvety with ripe fruit, balanced acidity, and a long, flavorful finish with notes of minerality or coffee.\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" jscontroller=\"fly6D\" jsuid=\"kegQdc_y\"\u003eeamless, integrated tannins that support the fruit, with a good backbone of oak to match the fruit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" jscontroller=\"fly6D\" jsuid=\"kegQdc_v\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" jscontroller=\"fly6D\" jsuid=\"kegQdc_y\"\u003eWe recommend decanting for an average of 1-2 hours (or up to two hours for full expression) is recommended to allow the wine to soften and open its aromas and fruit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" jscontroller=\"fly6D\" jsuid=\"kegQdc_v\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" jscontroller=\"fly6D\" jsuid=\"kegQdc_y\"\u003eWine Press: James Suckling: Awarded 94 points. Described a perfumed nose of sandalwood, lavender, blackcurrants, cassis, star anise, and black olives. Noted it is full-bodied, velvety, and creamy, with bright acidity complementing the ripe layers of black and blue fruit and seamless tannins. Recommended trying after 2025.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chateau Franc Maillet","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43144466464842,"sku":"B212101201","price":74.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2140\/3211\/files\/Franc_Maillet.jpg?v=1766229394"},{"product_id":"2020-chateau-tour-baladoz-saint-emilion","title":"2020 Chateau Tour Baladoz Saint Emilion","description":"\u003cp class=\"hub-single-product-tasting-notes-description\"\u003eWine Press: Jancis Robinson \"Cask sample. Opulent nose just brimming with crushed blackberries, cinnamon spice and damson fruit. Silky smooth palate with fine tannins and real power of sweet ripe fruit. A note of coffee oak on the finish, hedonistic and full on but appealing - Drink: 2026-2038\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOwned by the De Schepper family since the 1950s, this relatively little-known 9 hectares property lies in the commune of St-Laurentdes-Combes, just 3km southeast of St Emilion\u003c\/span\u003e towards St Etienne de Lisse, which gives them the benefit of two different soils, limestone and clay. The vines for Tour Baladoz are partially on the limestone plateau and partially in a beautiful green bowl filled entirely with vines. The \u003cspan\u003eDe Schepper family have invested hugely in both the vineyards and the cellar, so that now the quality of the wine really does offer an authentic and high quality expression of this fine site. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMatured for 12-15 months in 50% new oak and made from vines with an average age of 30 years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTasting note: Purple in the glass with a nose of intense earthy blackberry crushed fruit with a lightly soured black fruit note. On the palate the black fruit continues which are ripe and sweet with a hint mulberry, spiced and a touch of cherry going to a long, grilled, lush, smoky finish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chateau Tour Baladoz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43144474067018,"sku":"B25501201","price":62.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2140\/3211\/files\/Tour_Baladoz.jpg?v=1766237558"}],"url":"https:\/\/thevineking.com\/collections\/gra-merlot\/bin-end.oembed","provider":"The Vineking","version":"1.0","type":"link"}