{"product_id":"estate-altitude-merlot-tasting-pack","title":"Estate \u0026 Altitude Merlot Tasting Pack","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur Estate and Altitude Merlot are produced with fruit soley from our Estate grown Eden Valley vineyard. Multiple blocks of Merlot within our larger vineyard complex makeup the building blocks to produce our iconic Merlot blends. All vineyards were planted in the early 80’s and are owned and managed by Irvine Wines to ensure consistency and quality of fruit. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndividual blocks of our Merlot are picked based on flavour, acid and sugar balance. The fruit is destemmed and fermented in open top vats. Each vat is inoculated with yeast and ferment begins. The fermenting grapes are pumped over twice a day to gently extract the colour, flavour and structure. Each batch is then pressed off using a basket press to separate the wine from the skins. The settled wine is transferred to 300 litre oak barrels and left to soften and condition. A small proposition of new oak is incorporated to impart complexity and aid in the structural development. Each wine is left to age for between 18 to 24 months and then blended to produce our finished wine. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2021 we changed the name of this wine from “Estate” to “Altitude”, although the basic style and substance of this wine has remained consistent throughout the years. Having said that, seasonal variation still plays a big role in how this wine shows and we invite you to enjoy the differences and nuances that these different vintages present. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Irvine Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47169831796790,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2170\/2215\/files\/Untitleddesign_9fef616c-fcbb-4a3f-846c-eb669792a847.png?v=1786320814","url":"https:\/\/irvinewines.com.au\/products\/estate-altitude-merlot-tasting-pack","provider":"Irvine Wines","version":"1.0","type":"link"}