Do we ship to you?.
More Details
Winery
Craneford
Varietal: Merlot
With its versatility and depth of fantastic fruity flavor, Merlot is one of the key grape varietals which has truly conquered the world of wines. Grown all over Europe, the Americas and elsewhere, Merlot grapes are distinguishable by their beautiful blue color and loose hanging bunches. They are a favorite with wineries due to their light tannin content and low levels of malic acid, meaning that Merlot wines are extremely drinkable and carry a depth of flavors which is at once fleshy and full, without being overpowering or challenging for the drinker. Merlots are often used for blending, as their roundedness and mellow nature is a perfect way to balance out more astringent varietals, leading to fuller, more complex and silky quality wines. Indeed, many of the finest wineries in the world in esteemed locations across countries such as France and Italy are famed for their habit of using ripened Merlot grapes to their full potential.
Region: Barossa
Located near the city of Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is one of Australia's principle wine producing regions, benefiting as it does from the cool climate which typifies the sloping valley sides and the excellent soil that is found there. Founded by German settlers in the late 19th century, Barossa Valley has long since been associated with the high quality Shiraz varietal grapes which are grown there, and have since become the flagship grape varietal for the best of Australia's produce, celebrated widely for their intensity of flavor and dark, complex character. However, recent years have seen the innovative wineries which cover this region experiment with plenty of other grape varietals, and plenty of success has been found with Grenache, Chardonnay and Semillon, amongst several others.
Country: Australia
With over sixteen thousand hectares of Australian land now under vine, Australia has become something of a world leader in regards to wine production. One of Australia's key attributes to their success has been their willingness to leave traditional vineyard practices to one side, and develop techniques which are perfectly suited to a New World country. Modern Australian wineries take into consideration the climate and the unique soil types which cover much of their country, and have had fantastic results from cross-breeding programs and blending practices which make the most of the grape varietals which thrive most successfully there, notably the Shiraz and Chardonnay grapes. In recent years, Australia has been lauded as the 'most influential' wine producing country in the world, and the rest of the New World is looking down under for inspiration, and the ability to produce comparable fine wines on their own terrain.