2017 DSL Meritage Canadian Oak
In Stock
Meritage is a term used in North America to identify a blend typically found in the Bordeaux region of France. By regulation, the red blend can only consist of five specific varietals, with no one varietal accounting for more than 90%. The 2017 Distinctive Small Lot Meritage Canadian Oak is 62% Merlot and 38% Cabernet Sauvignon. Less than 175 cases were made as winemaker Marc Bradshaw selected individual barrels of the two wines before making the blend. The result is a medium to fuller-bodied red wine with lovely fresh, red berry notes and a touch of mocha.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2017
Varietal
Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
VQA Niagara Peninsula
Brix at Harvest
25.2°
Residual Sweetness
3.6 g/L
Alcohol %
14.4
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Lots of ripe fruit with very fine tannins, round texture and a flavourful finish. Merlot imparts a brighter, ripe cherry fruit character while Cabernet Sauvignon shows a generous core of juicy blackberry, dark blueberry and cassis
Winemaker Notes
An assemblage of 3 barrels Merlot from the first pick at the Home Farm harvested 15th November, 2017 at 25.1 Bx and 2 barrels of the second pick of Home Farm Merlot harvested 21st November, 2017 at 25.8 Bx, along with 2 barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon from the clay portion of the Home Farm (24.9 Bx) and 1 barrel of Cabernet Sauvignon from the sandy portion of the Home Farm (25.8 Bx), both harvested 22nd November, 2017. The grapes were crushed into small open bins for primary and malo-lactic fermentation with daily pigéage, followed by pressing to oak for 18 months maturation. A good mixture of new oak through to 5-year old seasoned barrels. The wine was blended just prior to bottling.
Food Pairing Notes
At this time of the year, anything off the grill!