Waitrose Fairtrade Merlot

Merlot can sometimes be a bit meh. You know, nice enough but often lacking the oomph of Cabernet or the elegance of Pinot Noir. But what it does do, easily,  is provide plenty of juicy plummy fruit, sometimes with a bit of spice (like this one). From the Western Cape in South Africa, specifically from the brilliantly named Olifants River region, this is Fairtrade certified too so you know the grape growers behind this wine are getting a fair deal. Brilliantly drinkable.