Cabernet Merlot - A blend greater than the sum of its parts

1. Cabernet Merlot: A blend greater than the sum of its parts It would not be wrong to say that Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is one of the greatest partnerships in the wine world. These two distinctive grape varieties complement each other so well that they end up producing a blend that is beyond each of these individual wines. From their French homeland in Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot have travelled the world and become truly international. They continue to reveal their intriguing aspects across different countries with different terroirs. In fact, the Australian regions of Coonawarra, Margaret River and Yarra Valley are also highly regarded for their unique expressions of the blend. The Cabernet Merlot blend is a great deal because both varieties add their individual values. Merlot adds body, texture and mellowness whereas it helps fleshes out the tannic backbone of Cabernet Sauvignon and softens the harsh acidity.

2. Both grape varieties easily adapt to oak and their combined fruitiness, tannins and acidity ensure that they age extremely well and develop great complexity. The blend displays black and red fruit aromas infused with vegetal bell pepper and oak fragrances. These aromas are followed on the palate by a broad range of flavours, including blackcurrant, blackberry, black cherry, plum and red berries, accompanied by cedar, coconut, tobacco and vanilla flavours contributed by oak. Overall, the blend ranges from medium to full-bodied and has medium to high acidity and tannins. You can savour this Cabernet Merlot blend best with slow-cooked beef roast, mushrooms, and venison. Now that you about this bold and beautiful blend, let us introduce you to the finest one from the Chain of Ponds. Established in 1985 on the outskirts of Gumeracha, the Chain of Ponds winery was the first major planting of any note in the northern area of the Adelaide Hills Wine region. Their first vintage dates back to 1988 that came into the picture because of an initial planting of four thousand vines consisting of nine varieties. This was further increased, with an additional 150 acres, planted in 1989. At present, the winery has extended vineyard boundaries to source fruit from a broader area of the region to allow greater varietal distinction and complexity in their wines. A vibrant and juicy style of wine made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Displaying lifted aromas of blackcurrant and mulberry with nuances of raspberry, blueberry and redcurrant. Look for blackcurrant, ripe plums, wild mint and dark chocolate with hints of oak spice and velvety tannins. The Cabernet Merlot from Chain of Ponds is made under their Novello Range. The Italian meaning for Novello is ‘new’. The wine is purposely aimed at producing youthful, vibrant and fresh wines, ideal for drinking now.

3. The blend made of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is vibrant and juicy. It displays lifted aromas of blackcurrant and mulberry with nuances of raspberry, blueberry and redcurrant. You will easily find blackcurrant, ripe plums, wild mint and dark chocolate flavours accompanied with hints of oak spice and velvety tannins. You can buy Cabernet Merlot & more blends online from Just Wines at a price point too good to miss.