If your tipple of choice at this time of year is a nice glass of red in front of a roaring fire then twist the cork with some sophisticated Merlots from your supermarket shelves. We test out some favourites.
Chevalier de Fauvert - Lidl, £5.79
A pleasant surprise for the price, this South of France version is an excellent example of the Merlot grape and offers up buckets of juicy red fruit and a smidgen
of cedar.
Smooth & Plummy - Morrisons, £4.69
This Aussie is described as smooth and plummy and it delivers exactly what it says on the label.
Grapevine Merlot - Aldi £4.09
Cheapest of this lot but still a respectable drop for the price. It’s rustic and fruity and maybe a bit rough around the edges but it’s still fine if you’re softening it with a chunky meat stew or tangy Cheddar.
Des Tourelles Claret 2022 -Tesco, £5.49
This Merlot/ Bordeaux blend is light on its feet, with a classic note of old-school pencil shavings!
Australian Lime Tree Merlot - Co-op £6
Another awesome Aussie packed full of ripe, bramble flavours along- side a cooling, minty note that keeps it fresh.
Yellowwood Mountain - Asda, £4.95
If you like your red big and bold, this moreish Merlot from South Africa is for you.