Bats Blood is grown, produced and bottled in Banat which is part of the ancient historic region of Transylvania. It is bottled on the same estate where it is grown and picked. The winery enjoys a Mediterranean climate, cooler than the rest ofRomania, and dryer with a longer harvest season, allowing many varieties to ripen easily.
Legend has it that the Banat region of Romania was where Bacchus, the God of wine, spent his childhood – certainly the first records of viticulture date back to the Roman Empire when it invaded and annexed the central part of Dacia in 106 AD.
Bats Blood is an award winning Merlot produced and supervised by Hartley Smithers who is one of the worlds most respected wine makers.
Mr. Smithers is from Sydney and he is also the senior wine-maker at Casella who make the world famous Yellowtail brand.
Bats Blood may have a light hearted and sociable personality but as you can see - the quality of the wine is a very serious business indeed.
Gently destemmed and crushed, the grapes were cold macerated for 2 days at 5°C before being inoculated with selected yeast for the alcoholic fermentation which took 3 weeks at 27°C. Gently pressed, centrifuged and then put through a full malolactic fermentation, the wine was then matured for 3 months with French oak staves.
Tasting notes: Vibrant, floral aroma of spiced plums, vanilla toffees and peppery aromas with a silky, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a long, tangy raspberry finish with elegant tannins.
Food pairing: Powerful pasta dishes and roasted red meats.
Serving temperature: 14-16°C
