006 Merlot, Aniello 2022

In a nutshell:
An outstanding, succulent and soft Merlot from the cooler Patagonian region of Argentina.

The lowdown:
Patagonia is the most southerly of Argentina's wine regions and is cooler climate than places such as Mendoza to the north. So here varieties like Merlot which isn't seen quite so often in Argentina have the chance to thrive. This one is quite a class act giving a full bodied wine with fine tannis and bright finish. Opulent in every respect, particularly on the nose which is awash with dense, sweet, ripe black plums and notes of violets. The palate is velvety and quite indulgent but by no means overblown.

The Producer:
in 2010 Santiago Bernasconi and his team renovated an old, beautiful little winery near the small town of Mainqué in Patagonia's upper Rio Negro valley and breathed new life into the vineyards acquired at the same time thus setting up Bodega Aniello. This is a relatively small, venture encompassing old pre-phylloxera Malbec vines and a winery originally established in 1927. The first ever vines in Argentina were planted in Patagonia and Aniello are proud to represent the modern face of this region producing fresh, lean, elegant and beautifully concentrated wines.

When to drink:
Easygoing, easy drinking this is great all by itself and with food it's very versatile. It'll go with all sorts of both meaty and vegetarian recipes.

Categories	Wine / Red Wine / Rich & Powerful Reds
Country	Argentina
Grape Variety	Merlot
Vintage	2022
Volume	75cl
ABV	13.5%
SKU	AN1314RN