By Benjamin Quigan
Merlot was once a grape I would drink on occasion, but would never be my first choice.
When I feel like something different, the soft, silky Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Merlot definitely hits the spot.
Craggy Range wines are up there among the best in the country. Craggy Range wines are presented in two collections; the vineyard-designated collections are all grown in regions specific for the variety, gimblett gravels being one of them.
Priced at around $30, Craggy Range is accessible and affordable.
The prestige collections are a very limited collection of single vineyard wines each with a name that reflects its heritage. Naturally these are a lot more expensive.
The wine for this week is from the Vineyard Designated Collection from the Gimblett Gravels growing region in Hawkes Bay. The wines here are predominantly Merlot with hints of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec.
The wine is very deep and dark in colour with a full bouquet. The dark cherry aromas are the most prominent, but there are floral notes also coming through.
What I love most about this wine is the smooth and silky texture - it is very easy to drink. It is very rich and flavoursome, with hints of plum and berry being the most dominant.
If you have a larger budget and would like to try from the prestige collection try the Craggy Range Sophia.
The word Sophia means “wisdom” - it is a blend of the best Merlot and Cabernet Franc Craggy Range can grow.
3 News