Merlot 2019

73,20 €

Format:

750ml

Description of the Duckhorn Winery

Domaine Duckhorn, located in the heart of California's Napa Valley, is recognized for its commitment to producing high-quality wines, with particular attention to Merlot. Founded in the 1970s, Duckhorn was instrumental in establishing Merlot as a noble grape variety in North America. By taking advantage of ideal climatic conditions and a rich terroir, the estate produces wines that combine complexity, structure and elegance, faithfully reflecting the unique expression of their terroir.

Description of the Cuvée Duckhorn Merlot

The Cuvée Duckhorn Merlot is a showcase of the estate's know-how in the winemaking of this grape variety. Made from carefully selected grapes from the best vineyards in Napa Valley, this Merlot is recognized for its depth, aromatic richness and balance. With meticulous aging in oak barrels, this cuvée embodies Duckhorn's commitment to offering a Merlot with character, capable of competing with the best in the world.

Aromas of the Cuvée

This Merlot offers a complex and nuanced bouquet, characterized by aromas of ripe red and black fruits, such as cherry, plum and blackcurrant, accompanied by notes of chocolate, vanilla and sweet spices. The subtle nuances of tobacco and leather, provided by aging in oak, add an additional dimension to the richness of the wine.

Characteristics of the Cuvée

Grape variety: Merlot
Profile: An elegant, well-structured wine, with silky tannins and balanced acidity that support the complexity of flavors. The finish is long and harmonious, highlighting the exceptional quality of the wine.
Aging Potential: Although this Merlot is approachable and pleasant to drink now, it also has excellent aging potential, promising to gain complexity and nuance over the years.

Pairings with this Cuvée

Duckhorn Merlot pairs perfectly with savory dishes such as grilled red meats, rich stews or mature cheeses. Its versatility and elegance make it an excellent choice for fine dining and special occasions.

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In the United States, 90% of the wine produced comes from California. It was the influx of gold prospectors to California that boosted the California wine industry in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Sonoma and Napa region. At the start of the 20th century, there were 800 wineries. From 1919 to 1933 Prohibition destroyed the vast majority of the California wine industry so that by 1933, only 140 wineries remained producing wine. It was only from 1960 that the wine industry began to recover from Prohibition and California was primarily known for the production of fortified wines (in the style of Port). It was also in the 1960s that some of the most famous estates were created (Mondavi, Heitz Wine Cellars, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, etc...).

In 1976, a significant event took place: the legendary tasting competition better known as the "Judgment of Paris". He sees the greatest French wines opposing the new American wines. This May 24, an unexpected result shakes the world of wine, since to everyone's surprise, it is the United States which wins. However, this competition remains relatively unknown to the general public.

Today, there is no doubt that the United States produces great wines. Even though California largely monopolizes the reputation of American wines with its excellent Zinfandels, the state of Oregon produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world and the state of Washington offers excellent Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon.