Balan Merlot Veneto 2021 13% Vol. 0.75 L

Discover the elegant character of Balan Merlot Veneto 2021 13% Vol. 0.75L, a dry Italian red wine produced from 100% Merlot grapes in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy. With inviting aromas of red berries, ripe cherries and gentle vanilla, this approachable wine combines vibrant fruit character with balanced oak influence.

Originating from vineyards near S. Ambrogio di Trebaseleghe, Balan Merlot Veneto offers a distinctive expression of Italian Merlot. Its rich ruby-red colour, attractive berry aromas and smooth, fruit-forward style make it an excellent choice for enjoying with food or preparing wine-based drinks.

For Drinkero, Balan Merlot Veneto is particularly suitable for traditional German Glühwein, where its fruity character complements fresh orange, cinnamon, cloves and other warming spices.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Intense ruby red with attractive violet reflections.

Aroma: Expressive notes of redcurrants, raspberries, ripe cherries and cherry jam, complemented by subtle vanilla and fresh mint.

Palate: Dry and fruit-forward, with ripe red berry flavours, gentle oak influence and a pleasantly rounded character.

Finish: Balanced and fruity, with lingering cherry, subtle vanilla and light herbal notes.

From the Vineyards of Veneto

Balan Merlot Veneto 2021 comes from vineyards in the area of S. Ambrogio di Trebaseleghe, near the Balan winery in northeastern Italy.

The vineyards are situated in an area traditionally known as Grion, characterised by compact, clay-rich soils.

The wine is produced entirely from Merlot grapes, combining two different Merlot clones that are vinified together to create a balanced expression of the variety.

Fermentation takes place in cement tanks, allowing the wine to develop its characteristic fruit flavours.

Following fermentation, the wine matures for six months in oak barrels. Approximately one-third of the barrels are new, while the remaining barrels have previously been used for two or three maturation cycles.

A further three months of bottle ageing helps the wine develop before release.

This combination of fruit-focused winemaking and measured oak maturation contributes to Balan Merlot Veneto's approachable yet expressive character.

What Makes Merlot a Versatile Red Wine?

Merlot is one of the world's most recognised red grape varieties, appreciated for its rounded fruit flavours and generally approachable tannin structure.

Depending on its origin and winemaking style, Merlot can display notes of cherry, plum, raspberry, currant, chocolate and vanilla.

Balan Merlot Veneto emphasises ripe red fruit, cherry jam and subtle oak, making it versatile enough to enjoy with food or use in carefully prepared wine cocktails.

Its dry character also allows sweetness to be adjusted when making Glühwein or other spiced wine drinks.

Perfect for Glühwein & Wine Cocktails

Balan Merlot Veneto 2021 is an excellent choice for wine-based drinks that benefit from fruity red wine with moderate oak influence.

Traditional German Glühwein: Gently warm Balan Merlot with fresh orange, sugar, cinnamon and cloves. Its red berry and cherry notes complement the citrus and winter spices, creating an aromatic, warming drink for Christmas gatherings and cold evenings.

Classic Red Sangria: Combine Merlot with fresh citrus, seasonal fruit and a suitable sweetener for a refreshing Spanish-inspired wine punch. Its ripe fruit character pairs naturally with orange and apple.

Red Wine Spritzer: Mix chilled Merlot with sparkling water and fresh citrus for a lighter, refreshing wine-based drink.

Spiced Red Wine Punch: Combine Merlot with orange and warming spices to create a festive punch for winter entertaining. Adjust the sweetness according to the wine and other ingredients.

Food Pairing & Serving Suggestions

Balan Merlot Veneto pairs particularly well with roasted red meats, game dishes, pasta with rich meat sauces and aged cheeses.

Its red berry character and gentle oak notes also complement grilled vegetables and savoury Mediterranean dishes.

For drinking on its own, serve slightly below room temperature, approximately 16–18°C, in a suitable red wine glass.

For Drinkero's Glühwein recipe, use 120 ml Balan Merlot Veneto per serving. Warm gently with orange, sugar and spices without allowing the wine to boil.

When preparing larger batches of Glühwein, adjust the spice quantities carefully and taste during infusion to prevent the cinnamon and cloves from becoming overpowering.

Product Details

• Brand: Balan
• Product: Merlot Veneto 2021
• Country of origin: Italy
• Region: Veneto, S. Ambrogio di Trebaseleghe
• Wine type: Dry red wine
• Grape variety: 100% Merlot
• Vintage: 2021
• Fermentation: Cement tanks
• Maturation: 6 months in oak barrels, followed by 3 months in bottle
• Alcohol content: 13% Vol.
• Bottle size: 0.75L (750 ml)
• Colour: Ruby red with violet reflections
• EAN: 8007368002884
• Recommended use: Food pairing, Glühwein, wine cocktails and entertaining
• Allergen information: Contains sulphites

Storage: Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. Once opened, reseal and refrigerate, ideally consuming within a few days for the best freshness.

Discover more with Drinkero: Explore traditional Glühwein, winter wine drinks and easy cocktail recipes featuring red wine, citrus and warming spices.