Stone fruit
Dark berries

Everyday Low

Oyster Bay Merlot

Name: Oyster Bay Merlot
SKU: 105059
Price: 17.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

Wine · New Zealand · 13%

$17.99each

What it tastes like

A medium bodied New Zealand Merlot with ripe plum and dark berry notes and soft tannins. Balanced and smooth.

Stone fruit
Dark berries

Additional information

Wine
Style: New Zealand
Origin: 13% ABV
Alcohol: 0.8 per bottle
Standard drinks

The story of Oyster Bay Merlot

Oyster Bay Merlot is grown in Hawke's Bay, on the east coast of the North Island, by the Delegat family. Their wine story began in 1947, when Nikola and Vidosava Delegat bought four hectares beside the Whau River in West Auckland and planted vines. Today the Oyster Bay label draws on vineyards in both Hawke's Bay and Marlborough.

The Merlot vineyards sit on ancient river terraces with gravelly, free-draining soils. Days are sunny, and cool sea breezes come in off the Pacific at night, which helps the fruit hold its freshness. The grapes are destemmed and fermented in stainless steel, then a large part of the blend is matured in French oak barriques, which softens the tannins and adds a little spice.

The result is a medium bodied red with bright cherry and rich plum, a touch of spice and a soft, lingering texture. It has the easy tannins Merlot is known for, so it suits food that is not too heavy: a lamb shoulder roasted with rosemary, a mushroom ragu over pasta or sausages from the barbecue. It is ready to open as soon as you get it home.