Classiques Merlot
A full and rich Merlot with a developed tannic structure.
The Merlot vines are grown on gentle slopes made up of chalky-clay soils but away from the drier areas. The vineyard is situated on the southeast side of the southern part of Ardèche with a typically Mediterranean climate.
This wine is made according to traditional methods in vats for 8 to 10 days, at a controlled temperature of 25°C.
A deep ruby / brick red colour with a nose evoking fruity aromas: plum, black currant and prunes. The palate reflects these fruit flavours backed by tannins and some spice. The finish is long, rounded and smooth.
Perfectly suited to savoury tarts or cakes, as well as cheese soufflés. It goes well with red meat, either grilled or served with gravy, as well as hard cheese like comté.
Ageing potential – 2 to 3 years.
About the Producer
Vignerons Ardéchois
Vignerons Ardechois – UVICA – is a co-operative situated near Ruoms on the right bank of the Rhone, west of Montelimar between Lyon and Avignon. Formed over 30 years ago it has bought together 23 smaller co-operatives from 23 villages. It is the largest single wine producer in the Rhone, representing 3,000 growers with 8,500 ha of vineyards. Annual production is over 500,000 hectolitres – mainly varietal IGP Ardeche (formally Vin de Pays des Coteaux de l’Ardeche) but also AOC wines of Cotes du Rhone, Coteaux du Tricastin and Cotes du Vivarias. EU funding and a growing awareness of modern vinification techniques have encouraged the Co-ops to invest in state of the art technology, actions from which they have clearly benefitted.
