COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2019
GRAPE
Merlot
PRODUCER
Badel 1862
REGION
Dalmatia
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium - Full
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium
Finish
Medium - Long
Intensity
Mid - Pronounced
Tannins
Medium - High
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Korlat Merlot is produced by Badel 1862 from the unique Korlat vineyard near Benkovac in the Dalmatian Hinterland, Croatia. Established in 2004, this extreme terroir was reclaimed from rocky Mediterranean macchia by crushing stone to plant vines. The vineyard sits at an altitude of 250 to 300 meters above sea level, facing the Adriatic Sea, which provides a constant sea breeze and significant diurnal temperature shifts. This challenging environment forces the vines to dig deep, resulting in wines of exceptional concentration, structure, and distinct mineral character that have put Croatian Merlot on the international map.
ALCOHOL
14.0%
AVG. PRICE
€18
STYLE
Classic
SULPHITES
YES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
16-18°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
The Korlat vineyard was literally carved out of solid stone and Mediterranean brush using heavy machinery in 2004.
Fact 02
Korlat Merlot won a prestigious Grand Gold medal at the Mundus Vini international wine competition.
Fact 03
The vineyard's unique microclimate benefits from both hot Mediterranean sun and cooling mountain breezes from Velebit.
FOOD PAIRING
Read more
WINE MAKING PROCESS
The grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness from the rocky slopes of the Korlat vineyard. Following careful destemming and crushing, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with extended maceration to extract rich color and structured tannins. The wine is then aged for approximately 12 to 18 months in oak barriques (a mix of French and American oak, with a portion of new wood) to soften the tannins and integrate complex oak characteristics before bottling and further cellar aging.
