Forgeron Dubois, Merlot, 2024, Pays d’Oc (IGP)

'One-Liner'
A soft, juicy southern French Merlot with ripe plum, cassis and a gentle violet lift – smooth, generous and given just enough structure to keep things interesting.

Tasting Note
Ripe plum and cassis lead the way, with a delicate violet note adding fragrance to the generous dark fruit. The palate is smooth and supple, with Merlot’s naturally rounded texture balanced by a welcome touch of structure and freshness. Dry and fruit-driven, it finishes softly with lingering plum, dark berries and a gentle savoury edge.

Country: France
Region: Languedoc-Roussillon
Sub-Region: Pays d'Oc IGP
Grape(s): 100% Merlot
ABV: 13.5%
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian

Awards & Critics' Scores
n/a

The Story
Forgeron Dubois is a collaboration between UK importer Delibo and Floris Lemstra, owner of the historic Château Canet estate in the Minervois. The fruit comes from the cooler vineyards around Carcassonne, where harvesting takes place at night to protect freshness before fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel. The Merlot spends around two weeks on its skins and is bottled relatively early, with no residual sugar, keeping the emphasis firmly on ripe fruit, softness and straightforward varietal character – exactly the sort of unfussy southern French red that earns its place at the dinner table.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Toulouse-style sausages with lentils, herbs and red wine
- Vegetarian: Puy lentil, caramelised onion and thyme tart
- Vegan: Roast aubergine, lentil and tomato bake with herbs