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The Uruguayan Merlot redefining a global standard
With a terroir that draws striking parallels to Pomerol, the Merlot of Canelones is a hidden gem that captivates. Discover the story of our Cru D’Exception Merlot, a wine that seamlessly blends tradition and innovation.
With a terroir that draws striking parallels to Pomerol, the Merlot of Canelones is a hidden gem that captivates. Discover the story of our Cru D’Exception Merlot, a wine that seamlessly blends tradition and innovation.
Merlot has long been the emblem of Pomerol, the legendary wine-growing region of Bordeaux. Yet, in the soils of Canelones, Uruguay, this varietal finds a natural mirror of its European home, thanks to a terroir combining similar climatic and soil conditions.
Oceanic influence and “gilgai” microrelief grant the grapes exceptional maturity, yielding unparalleled concentration and complexity. “The potential of Merlot in Uruguay remains an undiscovered jewel,” notes Santiago Deicas, winemaker at the estate.
Cru Merlot: haute couture winemaking
Inspired by the “garage wines” of Bordeaux from the 90s, our varietals in the Cru d’Exception line are crafted with utmost precision and an artisan approach. The grapes come from low-yield micro-terroirs and are vinified under a meticulous protocol, ensuring that each vintage tells its own story. “Our aim is to create a complex, age-worthy Merlot with a unique identity, producing only 3 to 4 vintages per decade,” explains Santiago Deicas. This haute couture philosophy has positioned Cru Merlot as a benchmark of excellence in Uruguayan winemaking.
International recognition… and the future
In recent years, Cru d’Exception Merlot has captured the attention of critics and wine enthusiasts worldwide, fulfilling our family’s vision to place Uruguay firmly on the map of great wines. “We are committed to showing that our Merlot can compete and excel among the world’s finest,” adds Santiago Deicas.