Contino Rioja Garnacha 2019 vs Meerlust Merlot 2022
Compare current tracked prices, stockists and core specifications. Meerlust Merlot 2022 currently starts £0.01 lower.
| Availability | In stock | In stock |
|---|---|---|
| Best current price | £31.00 | £30.99 |
| Current stockists | 1 merchant | 1 merchant |
| Producer | Contino | Meerlust |
| Style | Red | Red |
| Grape | Garnacha | Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot |
| Region | Rioja | Stellenbosch |
| Country | — | South Africa |
| Size | 750ml | 750ml |
| Where to buy |
Contino Rioja Garnacha 2019
Contino Rioja Garnacha is an elegant, expressive red wine crafted from old-vine Garnacha grown on the historic Contino estate in Rioja Alavesa. Planted on poor, stony soils with excellent drainage and moderated by the cool influence of the nearby River Ebro, the vines produce naturally low yields of concentrated, aromatic fruit that showcase the purity and finesse Garnacha achieves in this privileged corner of Rioja. Why You'll Love It This is Rioja Garnacha with real elegance—silky, fresh, and beautifully balanced with vibrant red fruit and fine tannins. As one of Rioja's first single-estate wineries, Contino brings meticulous vineyard work and traditional craftsmanship to every bottle. Gentle ageing in French and American oak adds subtle complexity while preserving the grape's natural brightness and charm. This is terroir-driven Rioja at its finest, offering exceptional quality from a benchmark estate. Vineyard & Production Sourced from old Garnacha vines on Contino's 62-hectare single estate in Rioja Alavesa, planted on poor, stony soils with excellent drainage. The cool influence of the nearby River Ebro moderates temperatures, allowing slow, even ripening. Grapes are hand-picked and sorted carefully before gentle fermentation in temperature-controlled vats. Extraction is kept delicate to highlight finesse over power. The wine is then aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels, allowing subtle spice and structure to integrate with the vibrant fruit. Tasting Notes Bright ruby colour with aromas of red cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry, and hints of rose petal. The palate is silky and fresh, offering juicy red fruit, subtle spice, a touch of herbal lift, and fine, polished tannins. A thread of minerality runs through the wine, leading to a long, graceful finish with lingering notes of red berries and gentle warmth. Perfect Pairings A superb partner for grilled lamb, roast poultry, charcuterie, tapas, mushroom dishes, lightly spiced Mediterranean cui
Meerlust Merlot 2022
Meerlust Merlot is a refined, plush and beautifully structured red from one of Stellenbosch's most historic and celebrated estates, crafted from 27-year-old estate vines on well-drained, clay-rich soils and matured for 18 months in 300-litre barrels. Rated 93 points by both the Platter Guide 2024 and Tim Atkin's South African Report 2023, this is Stellenbosch Merlot at its most elegant and age-worthy. Why You'll Love It Meerlust Estate has been owned by the Myburgh family since 1756, and under the guidance of eighth-generation Hannes Myburgh and Cellar Master Chris Williams, the estate combines centuries of tradition with modern winemaking expertise to craft wines of real elegance and longevity. The cooling maritime influence of False Bay slows ripening and preserves natural acidity, while meticulous vineyard management, including 30% vendange verte at 60% veraison and leaf thinning three weeks before harvest, ensures concentrated, evenly ripe berries of exceptional quality. Vineyard & Production Sourced from 27-year-old estate vines planted on well-drained Oak Leaf, Vilafontes and Klapmuts soils. Individual parcels are hand-harvested and fermented separately in small fermenters, followed by malolactic fermentation in 300-litre barrels. After 8 months in barrel the parcels are blended and aged for a further 10 months to achieve balance, harmony and complexity before bottling. Tasting Notes Brick red with crimson edges. The nose shows typical Merlot character with ripe plum and dark cherry, complemented by dried herbs and subtle oak spice. The palate is plush yet delicate, with layered cherry and tobacco notes, fine acidity and a long, refined finish. This wine displays the intensity and concentration of its vintage and will age gracefully, gaining complexity and suppleness over time. Perfect Pairings A natural partner for red meats, game and strong cheeses. Also excellent with slow-braised lamb, duck confit and hearty stews. The Blend Merlot 86%, Cabernet Franc 11%,
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