Alluvia Merlot 2019
One-half of Intersection's flagship Merlot pair (along with the Silica)
In 2007 we planted one block of Merlot across two distinct soil types: a fine, thin plot of dry silicate sand, and the alluvial wake of an ancient creek system. For three years we created a unified Merlot from the block, until 2012 when we divided the field by soil and formed the Silica and Alluvia Merlots: twins in every way but one. Harvested in tandem and boasting near-identical winemaking, our labour is to isolate the single variable of soil in our flagship wines. Together, the Alluvia and Silica Merlots are paragons of all that we aim to achieve at Intersection: honest wines that truly represent a certain place at a certain time.
In Stock
Wine Specs
Vintage
2019
Varietal
Merlot
Cases Produced
292
Acid
6.75 g/L
pH
3.73
Aging
Ready to enjoy now but will benefit from decanting a few hours or cellar 3-5 years.
Residual Sugar
3.08 g/L
Alcohol %
13.9
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Medium burgundy with cherry red highlights.
Prominent aromas of vibrant cherry and cranberry, Italian plum, kirsch, and strawberry lace candy. Ripe fruit that shows apparent sweetness and vibrant impression.
Palate has a buttery quality to the oak and pleasant warmth & spice, nutmeg notes, candied fennel seed.
Production Notes
Our 10.5 acre vineyard is over 50% Merlot, and we have two different clones, one of which was bred at UC Davis and the other in Pomerol, in Bordeaux. This wine is made from the Pomerol clone and was planted together with the Silica block, across different soil types but sharing the same rows. The name "Alluvia" refers to glacial till that makes up most of the vineyard, featuring silt, gravel and large rocks. This alluvial till lends the wine distinct characters due to heavier canopy than the drier side o the block, larger berry size, slightly lower pH (due to shade and more water holding capacity in the soil). Using only 30% new oak and encouraging expression of the grapes, the result is a structured, deeply complex Merlot that can be enjoyed now, or hold for aging.
Food Pairing Notes
Try this with classic beef bourguignon, pulled pork or braised meats!
Other Notes
Our 10.5 acre vineyard is over 50% Merlot, and we have two different clones, one of which was bred at UC Davis and the other in Pomerol, in Bordeaux. This wine is made from the Pomerol clone and was planted together with the Silica block, across different soil types but sharing the same rows. The name "Alluvia" refers to glacial till that makes up most of the vineyard, featuring silt, gravel and large rocks. This alluvial till lends the wine distinct characters due to heavier canopy than the drier side o the block, larger berry size, slightly lower pH (due to shade and more water holding capacity in the soil). Using only 30% new oak and encouraging expression of the grapes, the result is a structured, deeply complex Merlot that can be enjoyed now, or hold for aging.and large rocks. This alluvial till lends the wine distinct characters due to heavier canopy than the drier side o the block, larger berry size, slightly lower pH (due to shade and more water holding capacity in the soil). Using only 30% new oak and encouraging expression of the grapes, the result is a structured, deeply complex Merlot that can be enjoyed now, or hold for aging.