Merlot IGP Méditerranée 2019

opaque purple

To this day, one involuntarily balks when confronted with a Merlot from the Southern Rhône. Normally, one would say that this does not go together at all, but with Vincent Rochette, the opposite is the case, and accordingly, the wine has become a real classic. There is little of the southern heat to be found in the aromatics. Rather, the 2019 version offers a delightful combination of slightly warm fruit, spice, herbs and some cool stone. On the nose, black cherry and plum jam aromas combine with roses and lavender, some cherry and an underbrush warmed in the sun. Nevertheless, a cool regulating note always remains present - like from a light sea breeze.

On the palate, Merlot has always been a real charmer. This is also the case with this 2019 Merlot  again so, where the wine turns out a little warmer than 2018, but is by no means less attractive. Here, too, the drinking flow is absolutely in the foreground, and one could, if one were to taste blind, definitely get the impression that a little Carignan and Grenache is involved here. For in addition to the very dark juicy fruit, there are also tart notes of garrigue and licorice, as well as a slight pithiness, as if stems and stalks had been fermented as well. This makes the Merlot overall again round as well as balanced and extremely attractive; because the acidity is pleasantly present and also the round tannin.