Vinya Palau Merlot

The Vinya Palau Merlot is the purest expression of Merlot from Jean León – and at the same time a tribute to the founder's hometown: Santander, the starting point of his adventurous journey to America. Named after the 10-hectare single vineyard in Torrelavit in the heart of the Penedès, it bears the highest Catalan designation: Vino de Finca .

The vineyard was planted in 1991 and grows on two very different soil types: calcareous clay, which gives the wine structure and minerality, and sandy gravel, which provides finesse and freshness. Organic farming and the Mediterranean microclimate of this single site allow for optimal ripening of the hand-picked grapes.

In the glass, a bright, deep cherry red. The nose opens with ripe plums, dark berries, licorice, and a hint of balsam – underpinned by fine roasted and tobacco notes from the barrique. On the palate, fresh and fleshy at the same time, with sweet, silky tannins and a long, spicy finish.

Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels and a further 6 months in the bottle, this wine is served at 14.5% ABV at 16–18°C. An elegant accompaniment to duck magret with berry sauce, lamb chops, or robust Comté cheese – aromatic, balanced, and unmistakably Catalan.