Olivier Merlin

Domaine Olivier Merlin is owned by Corinne and Olivier Merlin, who settled in the Mâcon area in 1987. Today it extends over more than 15 hectares in the Mâconnais region and in the Moulin à Vent appellation, with 10,5 hectares owned and another 4,5 hectares worked under a tenancy agreement. Aware of the importance of ensuring a smooth succession on the domaine, they are delighted to announce that their two sons have now joined the family business. Winemakers, Paul and Théo Merlin, will be producing their first vintage on the Domaine in 2018. In January 1987, Corinne and Olivier Merlin decided to settle in the Mâcon area and they took over an old wine domaine in La Roche Vineuse, "This is where we decided to live and work, not due to a family inheritance, but because we like it here", says the couple. They were inspired by the domaine located in the Mâconnais wine region, where they were convinced they could produce great wines, respecting the fundamentals of good viticulture (ploughing the soil and harvesting by hand) and good winemaking (slow pressing of the grapes in whole bunches, fermentation and aging in oak barrels). Today, with their two sons joining them, they want to preserve the domaine’s family size and spirit and are taking the time to pass on their skills and expertise.

An intense, almost animal bouquet, with a fresh raspberry whiff. The palate is tight and lean, a result of the granite soil in which the old vines delve deep into. Black fruits, minerality and spice with a smattering of ground black pepper, the palate is sturdy and there is an excellent balancing freshness. Classic Moulin à Vent that deserves cellaring.

Try with seared duck breast with cherries or figs. Alternatively, pair with classic French dishes in a creamy sauce like chicken with tarragon or kidneys with mustard sauce or even a retro boeuf stroganoff.

. Produced using full cluster semi carbonic maceration with only a little pigeage, Olivier relies mostly on pumping over during the vinification process.