Celebrating International Merlot Day: A Journey Through Eden Valley’s Finest

November 7th marks International Merlot Day, and at Irvine Wines, we’re raising a glass to our most beloved grape variety. Merlot is a crowd-pleaser, known for its plush texture and approachable flavours, but it can also be complex and refined. In the cool climate of Eden Valley, South Australia, our Merlot offerings showcase this wonderful balance, combining elegance with depth. Let's take a look at three of our signature Merlots, each with its unique character.

Grand Merlot

The Grand Merlot from Eden Valley, South Australia, is a deep crimson red with a ruby hue. Its nose offers an enticing bouquet of plum and black cherry, complemented by hints of cedar and spice for added warmth and complexity. This full-bodied, rich, and smooth Merlot delivers bold flavours of wild mulberries, boysenberries, and sweet raspberry jam, with decadent layers of prunes and figs on the finish. Aged for two years in barrel, with 25% new French Oak, it boasts subtle vanilla and spice notes. The Grand Merlot is a celebration of bold fruit and refined texture, making it perfect for special occasions or pairing with hearty dishes like braised lamb shanks or a rich mushroom risotto.

Altitude Merlot

The Altitude Merlot from Eden Valley, South Australia, displays a ruby red colour with vibrant purple hues. Its nose is a symphony of raspberry, cocoa, and Turkish delight, with floral notes of lavender and a refreshing hint of menthol. On the palate, this juicy, fruit-driven Merlot is fresh and lively, with sweet red currants and raspberries taking centre stage, balanced by sour morello cherries. A backbone of coffee and dark chocolate adds complexity and chewiness. Aged for 18 months in French Oak, the wine has enhanced textural depth. The Altitude Merlot's vibrant flavours make it a perfect companion for dishes with bright acidity and complexity, such as grilled salmon, Mediterranean-inspired tapas, or a gourmet burger with caramelized onions.

Spring Hill Merlot

The Spring Hill Merlot from South Australia features a ruby red colour with a purple hue. Its nose is bright with red cherry and plum notes, accented by a dusting of cocoa powder and subtle hints of rosemary. The palate showcases dark fruits like black cherry and plum, balanced beautifully with layers of dark chocolate and a gentle cedar finish. Juicy fruit flavours are complemented by fine acidity and elegant tannins, making this wine both versatile and food friendly. Aged for 12 months in French Oak, which adds finesse and balance, the medium-bodied Spring Hill Merlot has a fresh acidity that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Whether enjoyed with roast chicken, moussaka, or a simple pizza, this wine will enhance any meal.

Pairing Suggestions for Merlot Lovers

Merlot is a versatile grape that works well with a range of dishes. From the rich and full-bodied Grand Merlot to the vibrant and juicy Altitude Merlot, and the food-friendly Spring Hill Merlot, there’s a perfect pairing for every meal:

• Grand Merlot with a slow-cooked lamb stew or beef bourguignon.
• Altitude Merlot with grilled vegetables, rich pastas, or even a well-seasoned ribeye steak.
• Spring Hill Merlot with pizza, soft white cheeses, or roasted poultry.

Raise a Glass to Merlot

This International Merlot Day, celebrate the diversity and beauty of this grape with Irvine Wines’ stunning range of Merlots. Whether you prefer a bold, fruit-forward style or something more nuanced and elegant, our Merlots showcase the best of Eden Valley’s cool climate winemaking.