Bilgola Estate Merlot

In Australia, many of the names of places come from the language of the Aborigines, the indigenous people of the country. Bilgola, which lends its name to this wine, is one such term. It means “swirling water” in this language and it probably pays homage to the many rivers and streams which makes the Riverina region in South Eastern Australia one of the most productive and diverse agricultural regions in the country. Of course, our favorite crop in Riverina is the pristine grapes used for winemaking.

Merlot is well suited to the warmer and drier climates found in this region Down Under. The crops of the region survive because the many rivers in the area (hence the name Riverina!) allow for ample irrigation and that makes the grapes for this wine simply ideal.

With a nose of ripe plum and cherry, this wine immediately shows off its fruit, with a subtle hint of oak in the background. With the first sip, these fruit flavors are joined by more ripe and luscious red berry notes, with a hint of toasty oak, providing slight flavors of earth and spice. Like any good Merlot, this is an exceptional versatile food wine but we’d recommend it with some bold and fresh food, maybe meat fresh off the grill.