Phebus Merlot, Gran Reservado (2019)
When it says Reservado on the label, it is usually the case that the wine was wood-aged. This is also the case with the Phebus Merlot, Gran Reservado. It sat in a barrel of French oak for 12 months. The wine was made in Patagonia. This is one of the southernmost - and therefore coolest - wine regions in Argentina. From 8 to 16 April, the grapes are harvested by hand. Very carefully, they are then placed in 20-kilo crates to avoid damaging the grapes. A double selection is then carried out, first of the whole bunches and then grape by grape. After crushing, the grapes are allowed to "bleed" to concentrate the juice. Then, before fermentation, they soak the skins for 5 days in the cold juice at 10-12°C After that, they heat the must to over 25 degrees and fermentation takes place for 30 days. For optimal aeration, the wine is pumped over four times a day.
All these careful preparations give a very elegant wine with complex aromas of dark red forest fruits with hints of mocha, vanilla and coffee. The palate is nicely balanced, with a refined structure, beautifully interwoven silky tannins and a deliciously long finish. This wine does very well with a dish of winter barbecue. Think hearty meats and grilled vegetables.
More information at MONK-DRINKS.CO.UK
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