2021 by Merrill Charley Rose Dry Grenache Rosé

The Story: The new ‘by Merrill’ range features five new wines including a Riesling, Chardonnay, Dry Rosé, Grenache and Shiraz Cabernet that are designed for immediate consumption. The key objective for the ‘by Merrill’ range is to engage with the next generation of wine consumers who want to have fun while drinking great wines. With younger and fresher wine styles combined with some terrific new modern packaging, ‘by Merrill’ is strategically aimed at introducing the Geoff Merrill brand to a whole new segment of the wine consuming market. 

Vintage Information: The 2021 growing season was almost perfect in the Riverland, with some describing it as a ‘once in a lifetime’ vintage. Rainfall during winter and early spring returned to above average levels, producing favourable conditions with mild weather showing the potential for above average yields. A comparatively mild and dry summer was brushed with only two minor rain events. This coupled with very few hot days leading to a very positive harvest.

The cooler than usual conditions contributed to an efficient vintage, with yields across the region reported as average to high, with some experiencing their best crop in many years. These conditions leading up to and through vintage have resulted in excellent quality wine quality, with wines showing good varietal character and the red varieties showing high colour density.

Winemakers Notes: The colour is an attractive and delicate rose petal pink. The aroma initially displays light, fresh cherry and raspberry with delicate floral notes which open up to subtle licorice and spice characters.

The palate begins light and clean, with exciting fruit flavours and textures coming to life as the wine warms in the mouth. Raspberry and violet notes come forward, moving to cherry and savoury spice. Clean, balanced acidity finishes this lovely drink for many occasions.

Food Pairing: Enjoy with BBQ Spanish Mackerel cutlets and vegetable skewers, charcuterie, Tallegio Cheese, grilled scallops and Chinese duck.

Winemakers: Geoff Merrill & Scott Heidrich

Variety: Grenache

Oak Treatment: No oak was used in the production of this wine.

Region: Riverland

Harvest Date: March 2021

Alc: 13.5%, pH: 3.00, TA: 5.80 g/L, RS: 1.8 g/L