De Bortoli Family Selection Merlot 75cl

Plush, fruit-forward, and seriously easy to like, this Australian Merlot is the kind of dry red wine you open when you want comfort without falling asleep in your glass.

Merlot’s whole thing is approachability, you get ripe fruit and a softer tannin feel, so you can pour it for a mixed crowd (or just yourself) and nobody has to “learn” it.

• Appearance: Deep ruby with a bright purple edge.
• Nose: Plum and black cherry up front, with a cocoa-like note and a hint of vanilla.
• Palate: Juicy dark fruit, dry style, and gentle tannins that don’t scrape your tongue.
• Body: Medium-bodied, more cosy than heavy.
• Finish: Clean, lightly chocolatey, and gone before it gets tiring.

Food pairing: Go straight for pizza with pepperoni, a classic cheeseburger, or tomato-based pasta (extra points for a sprinkle of parmesan).

If you’re usually a Shiraz drinker and want something a bit less loud, this is a great next step. And if Pinot Noir is your usual pick, think of this as the rounder, plusher cousin.

This bottle is made for real life. Weeknight dinner, last-minute guests, “I just want a glass” moments. Serve it slightly cool if you can, it makes the fruit pop and keeps things fresh.

Fun Fact: De Bortoli is a family winery that started in Australia in 1928, and they’re still family-run today.