Winery Antonio BenitoDon Gil Reserva

Discover the grape variety: Mérille

Originally from the Tarn-et-Garonne, the merille is a member of the cotoïdes family. It has long occupied the vineyards of Bergerac. It is often planted with négrette N or côt N. Nowadays, it is only grown on a hundred hectares in all. The young leaves of the Merille are heart-shaped. Its bunches are larger than average. The berries are bluish-black in colour and are also large and tightly packed. Merillas are associated with a regular and high production. It is often exposed to attacks by grape worms, leafhoppers and mites. It also fears grey rot but is not very sensitive to powdery mildew and mildew. This variety has 3 approved clones, not yet multiplied, namely 790, 445 and 444. It does not like soils with excessive humidity. It buds early and ripens later. Merille produces a light, not very aromatic, flat and simple wine.