Barton & Guestier Merlot 1999

Vins de pays d'Oc, officially recognised since 1987, are produced in Languedoc Roussillon. This vineyard covers 750,000 acres and borders the Mediterranean Sea. The climate is dry, hot and sunny. The wines produced are rich in alcohol and concentrated in aromas and colour. VINTAGE In 1999 harvest began on August 30th for the whites and September 5th for the reds: it was completed by October 15th. Overall the quality was relatively uneven compared with that of 1998 which was typically Mediterranean and very regular. The principal characteristics of 1999 were an unusual rainfall distribution, a high potential yield and the risk of mildew and botrytis. However, thanks to the fine weather in August, the condition of the grapes improved enormously. The average potential alcohol was slightly lower than in 1998 with less colour in the high yielding areas and with acidity levels a little higher, but in the areas selected by Barton & Guestier, where the quantities produced were reasonable, the wines were remarkable. WINEMAKING While respecting the traditional French winemaking techniques (de-stalking and crushing the grapes), a maximum temperature of 30°C is maintained during the alcoholic fermentation. The focus during the long maceration (3 weeks) is on color and tannin extraction. Two "delestages" per day are necessary (emptying the fermenting juice from the vat and pumping it back on to the solids). After racking and malolactic fermentation, the wines are blended and aged in vats on the lees (dead yeast and bacteria) with controlled oxidation (regular addition of oxygen in the wine). WINEMAKER NOTES Deep purple in color. Intense and perfumed, with aromas of ripe red fruit (blueberry and redcurrant jam) and grilled notes. At the same time wealthy and powerful, with velvety tannins and a strong fruity after taste. A great wine!