Korlat Merlot 2020 (Badel 1862)

Cellar for up to 5 years. Benkovac Winery’s Korlat Vineyard Merlot is a ripe, plush wine, with a ruby color and aromas of red cherry and raspberry. On the palate these flavors continue, with bing cherry, lingonberry, and light baking spice notes, with bright acidity throughout. Soft, ripe tannins lead to a smooth texture and finish, with a hint of vanilla and mouthwatering acidity lingering on the tongue and making you want to pour another glass. Serve this bright Merlot with dishes like pasta and pesto, strongly flavored fish such as mackerel or herring, roasted duck breast, tuna steaks, or dark chocolate desserts. Planted on stony, mineral poor soils next to the Adriatic Sea in 2005, the Korlat Vineyard grapevines struggle to get enough water and nutrients to survive. This, however, leads to excellent quality winegrapes, with each berry bursting with flavor and complexity, as the vines put more energy into making less grapes. The Benkovac Winery first harvested the Korlat Vineyard in 2007, and with each passing vintage the quality and character of the wines grows. The area, which has been known as a viticultural area since the time of the Romans, has only recently been getting attention internationally, with the Benkovac Winery specifically winning multiple Decanter Awards and getting rave reviews from many European wine publications.