Zilzie Selection 23 Murray Darling Merlot 2023

Product Description

Zilzie Winery, a family-owned estate, has been crafting exceptional wines for over a century. The winery's roots trace back to when the Forbes family first settled on the land over 100 years ago. Today, Zilzie Winery is a proud legacy of four generations of the Forbes family, who have transformed the land into one of the largest vineyards in the region, with 1,700 acres under vine.

In the early 1980s, Ian and Ross Forbes made the pivotal decision to convert the land into vineyards, shaping the future of the winery. Today, brothers Andrew and Steven Forbes continue to manage the winery, combining tradition with innovation. Zilzie Winery is known for its sustainable practices, quality winemaking, and dedication to producing wines that reflect both the family’s heritage and the promise of future generations.

Winemaking:
The Selection 23 range pays tribute to the original block of land nestled near the Murray River where the family's story began. The 2023 Zilzie Selection 23 Merlot is crafted from premium parcels of Merlot grapes, fermented in both rotary and static fermenters. After fermentation, the wine is gently pressed and matured on French oak for 3 to 6 months, resulting in a wine with excellent depth of colour, richness, and complexity.

Tasting Notes:
This Merlot exhibits a mid to deep crimson colour with aromas of ripe blackcurrant, dark cherry, and plum, complemented by fragrant spices and toasty oak. On the palate, it offers flavours of plum, spice, and succulent blackberry, with a velvety texture and supple tannins.

Food Pairing:
The Selection 23 Merlot pairs well with hearty dishes such as slow-cooked beef stew with mashed potatoes and roasted carrots, or spinach and ricotta stuffed pasta shells with marinara sauce. It also complements grilled meats and roasted vegetables, enhancing a variety of culinary experiences.

About the Range:
The Selection 23 range honours the family's origins and dedication to quality winemaking. The label art beautifully captures the aerial topography of their cherished home. Zilzie Wines continues to craft wines that reflect both heritage and innovation, with a commitment to sustainability and quality.

Note: No animal-derived products were used in the making of this wine.

Vintage Note