# Merlomania Merlot (2024)

- **Producer:** Sylvain Bock
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €18
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 13–15 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, blackcurrant, black pepper, cedar, smoke, mushroom, forest floor

## About this wine

Sylvain Bock established his estate in Alba-la-Romaine in 2010 after over a decade of hands-on experience, including time spent learning from local natural wine pioneer Gérald Oustric at Domaine Le Mazel. Situated in the Southern Ardèche near the northern geographical boundary of the South of France, the estate spans 6 to 7 hectares featuring volcanic basalt and limestone-clay soils. Merlomania represents Bock's vision of Merlot grown on basalt high-elevation plots (~230m). The estate operates under zero-zero natural wine principles with certified organic and biodynamic viticulture.

## Interesting facts

- Sylvain Bock learned his low-intervention craft working with legendary Ardèche producer Gérald Oustric at Domaine Le Mazel.
- Merlomania is grown on ancient volcanic basalt soils at 230 meters elevation in Alba-la-Romaine.
- Made with 100% carbonic maceration and completely zero added sulfur dioxide.

## Food pairing

This vibrant natural Merlot benefits from low tannins and juicy acidity achieved through carbonic maceration. The bright fruit profile complements savoury charcuterie and rich poultry like duck, while its earthy basalt minerality handles roasted mushrooms, root vegetables, and wood-fired pizzas seamlessly without drying out the palate.

## Wine making process

Hand-harvested from 32-year-old vines yielding around 35 hl/ha. The whole clusters undergo spontaneous carbonic maceration for approximately 14 days in closed tanks using exclusively indigenous wild yeasts. Following fermentation, the wine matures for 12 months in neutral oak barriques. No oenological additives, fining agents, filtration, or added sulfur dioxide (0 mg/L added SO2) are used during the entire production process.