SMILEY® Merlot
SMILEY® Merlot is crafted as the epitome of a French Merlot – round, fruity and plush – perfect to enjoy with good friends, good food and good times. Sourced from selected plots in the Bordeaux vineyards, this cuvée focuses on ripe Merlot fruit, soft tannins and a fresh, youthful Bordeaux-style profile that is easy to drink yet still satisfying at the table.
In the glass, SMILEY® Merlot shows a bright red colour with purplish tints, signalling youth and vibrancy. The nose is explosive and expressive, packed with stone red fruits such as cherry and morello cherry, alongside blackcurrant and blackberry. Underneath the fruit, there is a gentle warmth and softness that makes the aroma immediately inviting.
On the palate, this Merlot is moreish, slightly sweet at the attack, with supple and silky tannins. The mouthfeel is round and plush, with juicy red and black fruits flowing across the palate and just enough structure to give it shape without harshness. A soft, aromatic sensation carries through to the finish, leaving an extremely pleasing, easy-drinking aftertaste.
Winemaking is traditional yet carefully controlled: Merlot grapes are picked at peak maturity, fully de-stemmed, then given 10–15 days maceration with temperature control and adjusted pump-overs to extract colour, fine tannins and fruit aromatics. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for a few months in vats to preserve freshness and fruitiness before bottling. Typical alcohol sits around 12.5–13% ABV, depending on vintage.
SMILEY® Merlot is ideal for relaxed dinners and casual gatherings in Malaysia, Singapore and across Asia, pairing beautifully with roast chicken, Mediterranean dishes, pizza, pasta, grilled vegetables and everyday home cooking.
Q: What is SMILEY® Merlot?
A: SMILEY® Merlot is a French red wine from the Bordeaux vineyards, made primarily from Merlot grapes and crafted to be round, fruity and plush, with an approachable, fresh, young Bordeaux style.
Q: How does SMILEY® Merlot taste?
A: It has a bright red colour with purplish tints and an explosive nose of cherry, morello cherry, blackcurrant and blackberry. On the palate it is moreish and slightly sweet, with supple, silky tannins, a round, plush mouthfeel and a soft, aromatic finish.
Q: What is the alcohol content of SMILEY® Merlot?
A: SMILEY® Merlot typically sits around 12.5–13% ABV, depending on the vintage. Always refer to the bottle label or product listing for the exact alcohol level.
Q: How is SMILEY® Merlot made?
A: At peak maturity the Merlot grapes are harvested and fully de-stemmed, then undergo 10–15 days of traditional maceration with controlled temperatures and tailored pump-overs to extract colour, polyphenols and fruit aromas. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged in vats for a few months before bottling to preserve its fresh, fruity character.
Q: What food pairs well with SMILEY® Merlot?
A: It pairs excellently with roasted chicken, Mediterranean plates, grilled meats, pizza, tomato-based pasta and everyday comfort food, making it a versatile red for relaxed dinners and casual gatherings.
Q: Who is SMILEY® Merlot suitable for?
A: SMILEY® Merlot is suitable for adults of legal drinking age who enjoy a smooth, fruit-forward French Merlot that is easy to drink, pairs well with a wide range of dishes, and fits casual occasions in Malaysia, Singapore and across Asia.
