# GW Merlot (2022)

- **Producer:** Gramofon Wine
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot
- **Region:** Dealul Mare, Romania
- **Style:** Modern
- **Alcohol:** 14.3%
- **Average price:** €12
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, blackberry, black pepper, plum

## About this wine

Gramofon Wine, founded by musician Marcel Pascu, oenologist Gabriel Lacureanu, and marketer Marcel Vulpoi, is a Romanian producer located in the Dealu Mare region. Their philosophy, "Wine, art, gastronomy and music – the guilty pleasures of life," emphasizes quality over profit. The GW Merlot 2022, sourced from 25-hectare vineyards near Urlați planted since 2009, is described as a modern and ambitious expression of Merlot, aiming for "high visions and a harmony of taste that deserves to be discovered."

## Interesting facts

- Gramofon Wine was founded by a unique trio: a musician, an oenologist, and a marketer.
- Their winery philosophy links wine with art, gastronomy, and music as "guilty pleasures."
- The vineyards in Dealu Mare, near Urlați, were established starting in 2009.

## Food pairing

The medium to full body, moderate tannins, and intense spicy, dark fruit profile of this Merlot make it an excellent match for rich, savory, and earthy dishes. It harmonizes beautifully with game meats, red meats, and dishes featuring umami-rich ingredients like porcini mushrooms or truffles, where its structure can stand up to the intensity of the food.

## Wine making process

While specific winemaking details for the Gramofon Wine GW Merlot 2022 are not provided, the producer's focus on quality suggests a meticulous approach to crafting this 100% Merlot from the Dealu Mare region. The wine is presented as a young and provocative expression, indicating a winemaking style that aims to highlight the vibrant fruit and spicy characteristics of the grape, likely involving careful fermentation and possibly minimal aging to preserve its fresh intensity.