Great Southern Merlot 2022

Tasting Notes:

The Mount Trio Vineyard Merlot 2022 presents with a deep, inviting red hue. The nose is an enticing bouquet of fresh raspberry and mulberry, with subtle hints of oak adding complexity. As the wine opens up, a touch of vanilla and spice emerge, layering the fruit with a gentle warmth.

On the palate, this Merlot is medium-bodied and smooth, with vibrant fruit flavours of raspberry and mulberry taking centre stage. The nine months spent in French oak impart a touch of spice and a soft creaminess, enhancing the wine’s richness without overwhelming the fruit. The tannins are fine and well-integrated, providing a nice structure and length to the wine, while a refreshing acidity keeps the finish clean and balanced.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

• Grilled Lamb Chops: The rich flavours of grilled lamb perfectly complement the juicy fruit and subtle oak of the Merlot.
• Roasted Vegetables: Pairs wonderfully with hearty roasted vegetables such as eggplant, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
• Mushroom Risotto: The earthy flavours of a mushroom risotto are enhanced by the wine’s soft tannins and subtle spice.
• Hearty Pasta Dishes: A rich pasta Bolognese or lasagne will pair beautifully with this medium-bodied Merlot.
• Charcuterie: Enjoy with a charcuterie board featuring aged cheeses and cured meats for an ideal match.

Best Serving Temp:

Serve the Mount Trio Vineyard Merlot at 14°C to 16°C to allow the fruit to shine and the oak influence to be fully appreciated.

• If storing at room temperature (22°C): Chill the bottle for about 45 minutes before serving to bring it to the ideal temperature.

Additional Information:

• Grape Variety: Merlot
• Region: Porongurup, Great Southern, Western Australia
• Alcohol: 13.5% by Vol | 8.0 Standard Drinks
• Closure: Screwcap
• Vintage: 2022
• Volume: 750ml

Technical Terms Explained:

• French Oak Maturation: Refers to the aging process in oak barrels made from French oak. This imparts subtle flavours of vanilla, spice, and toast to the wine, while also softening the tannins.
• Medium-Bodied: A term used to describe wines that are neither too light nor too heavy. This Merlot has a perfect balance, providing a rich experience without overwhelming the palate.
• Fine Tannins: Tannins are natural compounds found in grape skins and seeds that give wine structure and texture. Fine tannins are smooth and well-integrated, contributing to a balanced, silky mouthfeel.
• Cellaring Potential: Indicates the ability of the wine to improve and develop more complexity with time in the bottle. This Merlot can be enjoyed now but will continue to evolve for up to five years.

Learn More About Mount Trio Vineyard

Mount Trio Vineyard is located in Western Australia’s Porongurup and Stirling range region. Mount Trio Winery is known for their Pinot Noir and remains one of the Great Southern Wine Regions best produces.

The Mount Trio vineyard was established in 1989 by winemaker Gavin Berry and his wife Gill Graham and is situated in the elevated Porongurups sub-region of the Great Southern in Western Australia. Gavin’s long-held love for the land and agriculture, developed as a child growing up on a northern NSW wheat farm, was the driving force behind the venture and today, Mount Trio represents a very personal expression of the Berry family’s life.

Named after one of the peaks in the stunning Stirling Ranges, the vineyard is a winemaker’s dream site, one of only a handful that borders the tiny Porongurup National Park. With an absolute northerly aspect, cooling breezes and gravelly loam soils, the gentle slopes also allow for good air movement and drainage. With typically warm dry summers and cool wet winters, these conditions have proven ideal for viticulture and this sub region is especially highly regarded for its suitability for Riesling & Pinot Noir.

Gavin and Gill run the vineyard on a regime of ‘low intervention’. The soils are low in fertility so there is not excessive vigour. The vines have a natural balance so the vineyard is not prone to disease risk and there is very little requirement for shoot thinning or reducing crop levels. The vines are low yielding (generally less than 3T/acre) with the fruit having great colour and flavour.

Today, Mount Trio Wines has ~8 hectares/20 acres of vines, managed by Gavin & Gill along with some contract labour. The vineyard is now entirely planted to Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay; these varieties having proven to be the best suited to this site. The grapes for the other wines in the range are generally all from Mt Barker & Frankland River (the vineyards in these slightly warmer areas being more suitable for Cabernet & Malbec for example).

Gavin has been making wine in the Great Southern region for over 30 years; first as chief winemaker at Plantagenet Wines (1988 – 2004) and then at West Cape Howe Wines (2004 – current). With his wealth of knowledge and considerable experience, he has made a major contribution to the Great Southern’s reputation for the production of premium quality wines.

The first Mount Trio wines were released in 1995 and the range includes Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Sangiovese Rose, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Malbec and Shiraz.

We can order in anything from their range. Contact us at info@partnersinwine.com.au

Porongurup Wine Region

The Porongurup wine region, located in Western Australia, is known for its stunning landscapes and unique terroir, which contribute to the production of exceptional wines. The region’s cool climate, influenced by its elevation and proximity to the Stirling Ranges, allows for a longer growing season. This extended ripening period is ideal for developing the complex flavours and acidity that characterise high-quality wines. The cool nights help retain freshness, while warm days promote optimal grape maturation, making Porongurup an ideal environment for both white and red varietals.

In terms of wine styles, Porongurup wines excel in producing elegant and aromatic white wines, particularly Riesling and Chardonnay. The region’s Rieslings are renowned for their crisp acidity, floral aromas, and notes of citrus and stone fruit, often reflecting a mineral edge due to the diverse soils, including granite and sandy loams. Chardonnay from Porongurup typically showcases vibrant fruit profiles and a balanced acidity, often with subtle oak influences from barrel aging. Additionally, the region has begun to gain recognition for its red wines, particularly Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, which are known for their depth, structure, and rich fruit flavours.

The terroir of Porongurup plays a significant role in shaping the characteristics of its wines. The diverse soils, combined with the region’s unique microclimates, create ideal conditions for grape growing. The cool, moist environment supports healthy vine growth, while the elevation ensures good drainage and aeration, reducing disease pressure. As a result, the wines from Porongurup are celebrated for their purity, finesse, and ability to express the distinct characteristics of the land. This combination of climate, soil, and careful viticulture makes Porongurup a standout region within Western Australia’s wine landscape.