REDISCOVERING MERLOT
Bordeaux seems like a good place to start, since it’s Merlot’s home. Two grapes reign in Bordeaux, with Cabernet Sauvignon being the other one. Cabernet Sauvignon is known for having very high acidity and high tannin, and when paired with Merlot’s roundness and plushness, the two grapes sing. That is the beauty of blending, combining two grapes together to make up for what each one lacks. In Bordeaux, Merlot is lacking structure and Cabernet Sauvignon is lacking plush fruit. But together they are the perfect pair. Cabernet Sauvignon tends to grow better on the gravelly slopes of the left bank in Bordeaux, and Merlot tends to grow better in the clay soils of the right bank. This is why on the left bank you will see a higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blends, and likewise with Merlot on the right bank. The aforementioned Château Petrus is 100 per cent Merlot grown in Pomerol’s famous blue iron-rich clay soils on the right bank and is arguably the most famous Merlot in the world. Pomerol is a young region, but the wines are dense, fleshy and opulent. Saint- Émilion is another appellation on the right bank, making solid, rich wines with sweet tannins. There are other regions throughout Bordeaux, such as Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux, that can provide more affordable Merlot-based blends.
CHÂTEAU CANON LA GAFFELIERE 2021
PREMIER GRAND CRU CLASSE - AOC SAINT-ÉMILION BORDEAUX The 2021 Château Canon La Gaffeliere blend is 45 per cent Cabernet Franc, 35 per cent Merlot and 20 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in new oak barrels with 40 per cent of aging occurring on the lees. Bursting with aromas of rose petals, lilac, sweet berry fruit, burning embers and warm spices. Elegant flavour of fruit, lively acids and beautifully refined tannins. France Alc 13.5%
16 SAVOUR MANITOBA | FALL 25
Powered by FlippingBook