KWV Classic Collection Merlot 2022 750ml

KWV is one of South Africa's best known wine names, and the Classic Collection is its accessible range, spanning reds, whites, roses, sparkling and fortified wines.

The Merlot is fruit forward and easy to like. The producer describes upfront ripe plum, strawberry and sour cherry with nuances of fresh crushed herbs, carried by generous tannins and a seamless finish. There is nothing austere about it, which is the whole point of the range.

Serve it slightly cool. KWV suggests it on its own or with tomato based pasta, roasted duck, chicken or grilled steak, and it handles Filipino favourites such as caldereta and grilled liempo without complaint. If you want a red that guests will drink happily without a conversation about tannin, this is a dependable choice from a producer with genuine history behind it.