2018 by Merrill Grumpy Gramps Grenache

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 2017 Winter began quite dry, with just enough rain arriving in late winter and early spring to add some much-needed moisture to the soil depths.

Aside from hot conditions during Spring, the growing season progressed quite well without lengthy extremes causing too much damage. The summer heat tapered off to ideal, mild conditions required for extended ripening of late varieties.

Winemakers Notes: A youthful red with good depth and purple hues. Dark cherry, black pepper and blackberry come through initially on the aroma. This then relaxes into a more rounded dark fruit and spice character with time in the glass.

The palate opens with complex spice, earth and red berry flavours and fine grippy texture. Then a wonderful mid palate unfolds as the wine warms in your mouth filling the 'wings' with luscious fruit. The acidity is balanced without adding astringency to this generous McLaren Vale Grenache.

Food Pairing: Enjoy with twice cooked duck, spring lamb rack, a seared tuna or mackerel steak, grilled portobello mushrooms.

Winemakers: Geoff Merrill & Scott Heidrich

Variety: Grenache

Oak Treatment: 17 months in seasoned French and American oak puncheons.

Region: McLaren Vale

Harvest Date: March 2018

Alc: 14.5%, pH: 3.31, TA: 5.9 g/L, RS: 2.2 g/L