They say that southern wines are full of sunshine. What is certain is that the star that day was shining on the face of our oenologist Rodrigo Banto.
On Thursday, June 2, 2022, the awards ceremony for the International Merlot Competition was held in Zurich in the prestigious rooms of the Zunfthaus zur Meisen. On this occasion, Rodrigo Banto was – once again – recognised by the profession for the quality and continuity of the wines produced for Cave de La Côte, receiving the special Jury’s prize: Gran Maestro du Mondial du Merlot 2022.
This special prize of the Jury rewards the same wine evaluated over several consecutive vintages. It is therefore a real consecration for the “Merlot Réserve Inspiration” on the 2017, 2018 and 2019 vintages. In addition to the Jury’s special prize, five of the Cave de La Côte wines were awarded with 3 gold and 2 silver medals.
Gold medals
- Merlot Expression / 2019
- Merlot Réserve Inspiration / 2018
- Merlot Gamaret Emblem / 2019
- Silver medals
- Merlot Emblem / 2019
- Merlot Reserve Inspiration / 2019
Cave de La Côte, repeatedly praised for its Merlot
This is not the first time that Cave de La Côte has won an award for this grape variety, of which it is the main producer in the canton of Vaud. Indeed, “Merlot Réserve Inspiration 2009” had already been awarded the prize for the best Merlot at the Mondial du Merlot in 2010, then in 2019, the Merlot “Gamaret Emblem 2017” was awarded the prize for the best blend, and the “Rosé de Merlot Expression 2020” was named the best Rosé de Merlot, a title that will be renewed in 2021. This “Gran Maestro” title at the Mondial du Merlot only confirms that this grape variety also enjoys making great wines of international stature on the Vaudois coast.
Merlot Festival in Tolochenaz, Saturday 3 September 2022
This new title prefigures the Merlot Festival, which will take place on Saturday 3 September in Tolochenaz. On the programme:
a Masterclass bringing together several Swiss Merlot producers. In parallel, several tasting stands will welcome the public. The Ticino winery Tamborini, winner of the prize for the best Merlot Rosé at the Mondial du Merlot 2022 and the Valais winery Rouvinez, winner of the Organic Merlot prize in 2021, have already confirmed their participation.