Germany MARIA BRAUN (FrankenSchöpple) 2019 Merlot Trocken Dry Red (750ml/bottle)

Merlot is an early maturing grape variety and can ripen fully even in slightly cooler climates. Smooth, rounded and "easy drinking" are common descriptions of Merlot wines. The main reason for this is that Merlot grapes are relatively large in relation to their pips and the thickness of the skins, in which tannins are found. For this reason, the variety is used to soften wines made from more tannic varieties.

The climate of FrankenSchöpple is continental, but it is also affected by the Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers, cold winters, high annual rainfall, and long-lasting early frosts. The microclimate of this producing area is conducive to the ripening of grapes due to the influence of the river, but it is not suitable for the growth of late ripening Riesling grapes. The area is dominated by white grapes, the most important white grape varieties are Müller-Thurgau, Silvaner and new hybrid varieties such as Bacchus and Kerner.

The wines produced in the Franconia (Franken) region are generally dry, full-bodied, tight, and rustic, with distinctive aromas, and are considered the most “masculine” among German wines. The finest Franconian wines are bottled in a very special and historically significant round, squat bottle known as the Bocksbeutel. Originally, this bottle was exclusively used for wines produced in Franconia. In 1989, its use was granted legal protection by the European Union. Nevertheless, several regions near Franconia are also permitted to use it.