Bellefontaine Merlot, Pays d'Oc

Tasting Note

Rich, vibrant and aromatic fruit showing soft plummy flavours and some jammy fruit too then quite a dry tannic bite giving it structure and length in the mouth.

Producer Details
The Oc, or ‘Pays d’Oc’ as you’ll see it on most labels, refers to the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France, known by the French as ‘Le Midi’. Geographically the Oc covers an incredibly broad swathe of vineyards from the Rhône delta in the middle of southern France, arcing all the way round to the Spanish border on her Mediterranean seaboard. Planted here are both traditional grape varieties such as Grenache Gris (which makes very fine rosé) and Grenache Noir; as well as the ‘cépages améliorateurs’ (varieties introduced in the last twenty to thirty years) such as Syrah and Merlot for reds, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc for whites.

In The Vineyard
Made from Vin de Pays sourced from the Languedoc region in the south of France, the Bellefontaine range has established an international reputation for consistent quality and value. Every year the winemaker selects only quality parcels of wine from different estates and producers, each contributing key components to the finished blend. Bellefontaine wines possess fine aromatics, pure fruit expression, fresh acidity, varietal character and above all, a persistent finish. The goal is to create a range of wines of consistent quality that are delicious to drink on their own but also complement food well.

Food Recommendations
Soft and pliable red capable of matching with most foods. Easy choice for a devout red drinker. Try with mushroom risotto.

Awards & Press
2009 Vintage: Sommelier Wine Awards 2011 - Bronze
2008 Vintage: Sommelier Wine Awards 2010 - Silver list
2009 Vintage: "Dried ripe fruit and cherry compote on the nose, while the palate offers fruit, good acidity, gentle but firm tannins and a good length." Sommelier Wine Awards 2011, Judges Comments
2008 Vintage: "Leafy, gamey and spicy, ripe blackcurrant notes blend nicely with chocolate. 'Clean, scented, fruity and balanced' said Michael Palij MW" Sommelier