BarossaVale Sparkling Merlot South Australia Gibson's NV (2002) | $##
Looks and smells like cherry soda, but it comes off almost …
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Wine Type and Color
Red Sparkling
Primary Grape
Merlot
Merlot is one of the most important Bordeaux varieties along with Cabernet Sauvignon. It's fleshier and ripens earlier than Cabernet, resulting in softer wines with plush tannins and fruit. Bordeaux is the grape's native home, where it's the dominant grape in Right Bank appellations like Pomerol and St.-Emilion and plays a supportive role on the Left Bank. It has also gained an international presence, with a notable boom in California in the mid-1990s, both as a single-variety wine and as part of a blend. While France and California are the most important growers of Merlot, versions from Italy, Australia, Washington, New York and more are worth seeking out.
Review Appeared in This Issue
December 15, 2002
Region
Australia / South Australia
BarossaVale Sparkling Merlot South Australia Gibson's NV (2002) | $ 00
Looks and smells like cherry soda, but it comes off almost …
Wine Type and Color
Red Sparkling
To see the full review and rating become a member of WineSpectator.com
Subscribe TodayPrimary Grape
Merlot
Merlot is one of the most important Bordeaux varieties along with Cabernet Sauvignon. It's fleshier and ripens earlier than Cabernet, resulting in softer wines with plush tannins and fruit. Bordeaux is the grape's native home, where it's the dominant grape in Right Bank appellations like Pomerol and St.-Emilion and plays a supportive role on the Left Bank. It has also gained an international presence, with a notable boom in California in the mid-1990s, both as a single-variety wine and as part of a blend. While France and California are the most important growers of Merlot, versions from Italy, Australia, Washington, New York and more are worth seeking out.
