# Georges Duboeuf Merlot (2023)

- **Producer:** Les Vins Georges Duboeuf
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot
- **Region:** Languedoc-Roussillon, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €13
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 15–17 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, blackberry, blackcurrant, vanilla, cloves

## About this wine

Produced by Les Vins Georges Duboeuf, famously led by the legendary 'Pope of Beaujolais', this Merlot represents an expansion into the warm, sun-drenched terroirs of Southern France. Sourced from the Aude department near the historic city of Carcassonne, the wine is part of a regional selection celebrating local flora. Each bottle features a native French wildflower, with the Merlot showcasing the Cornflower (Bleuet) as a symbol of sustainable viticulture and a nod to Duboeuf's iconic artistic heritage.

## Interesting facts

- The bottle features the Cornflower (Bleuet), representing the sustainable wildflowers grown in the vineyards.
- Sourced from high valleys in the Pyrenees foothills, benefiting from cool alpine winds that preserve acidity.
- Created by Georges Duboeuf, the famous producer who revolutionized the global market with Beaujolais Nouveau.

## Food pairing

This plush, fruit-forward Merlot features soft tannins and a hint of residual sweetness, making it highly versatile. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats where the wine's body matches the protein's richness, while its moderate acidity cuts through savory tomato-based pasta sauces and semi-hard cheeses.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process focuses on preserving fresh, vibrant fruit flavors. Grapes are thoroughly destemmed and gently pressed before undergoing fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Skin-contact maceration is accompanied by frequent pumping-over (remontage) to extract deep color and supple, silky tannins without harshness. Following a complete malolactic fermentation to soften the texture, the wine is aged primarily in stainless steel, with minimal oak contact to maintain its approachable, fruit-forward profile.