Grand Gaillard Merlot 2015

For an elegant, fruit forward, claret style Merlot, you won’t do better than this. Bergerac is Bordeaux’s neighbour and rivalry between the two stretches back centuries. In possession of an important Atlantic port, the Bordelais held all the power and used to impose unfair taxes in return for access to the sea. So Bordeaux gained fame, while its neighbour suffered. As a consequence, Bergerac’s wines are less well known and offer impressive quality and value. In fact, Andrew Jefford writes: “Bergerac’s greatest wines consistently outshine their Bordeaux competitors at twice the price.” Grand Gaillard is made in a supple, fruity style, to be drunk ‘à la bonne franquette’ (without fuss) with favourites such as shepherd’s pie or lamb chops.