J.P. Chenet Merlot 75cl

This is the kind of French Merlot you reach for when you want real flavour, not a lecture. Juicy, dark-fruited, and easy to love, it’s a red wine that fits dinner plans you made, and the ones you didn’t.

Merlot’s superpower is balance, it brings ripe fruit up front, then adds a mellow, lightly savoury edge that makes the next sip feel like a good idea. If you’re stocking a “go-to” red wine for friends who like things approachable but not bland, this one shows up.

• Appearance: Deep ruby with a purple edge, clear and bright in the glass.
• Nose: Ripe plum, black cherry, and blackberry, with hints of cocoa and a touch of vanilla.
• Taste: Dark fruit leads, then a bit of spice and soft earthy notes, with medium acidity and gentle tannins that don’t dry your mouth out.
• Body: Medium-bodied, satisfying without feeling heavy.
• Finish: Fruity and lightly chocolatey, with a tidy, medium-length finish.

What makes it shelf-worthy is how dependable it is. You get that classic Merlot plushness, the fruit feels ripe, the texture feels friendly, and the flavour sticks around long enough to keep you interested. It’s a red wine that works whether you’re pouring one glass or hosting a table full of opinions.

Food-wise, it’s a total team player. Tomato sauce, roast chicken, mushroom pasta, grilled kebabs, even a charcuterie board, it’s happy to be there and it won’t pick a fight with your meal.

If you’re building a simple home wine lineup, this slots in as the “crowd-pleasing red” that still tastes like you tried. Not too tannic, not too light, not too sweet, just a solid, dark-fruit French red you’ll end up replacing more than once.

Fun Fact: J.P. Chenet is famous for its intentionally curved bottle neck, a design that became one of the most instantly recognizable silhouettes in French wine.