GERE Solus Merlot 2022

Solus is Gere Winery's premium Merlot, expressing the full potential of the variety in Villány's sub-Mediterranean climate and mineral-rich loess soils.

The inspiration for this wine comes from Tuscany, infused with a Hungarian twist. In 1998, Attila Gere visited the Italian wine region and stopped by Ornellaia, where the legendary Hungarian winemaker Tibor Gál Sr. was the head winemaker. For Attila, it was an unforgettable experience to taste the winery's top Merlot, the Masseto, directly from the barrel. In that moment, he decided to explore whether he could achieve the same power and richness back home in Villány.

The first vintage of Solus was created in 2000. The name “Solus” comes from the Latin word for “unique,” and it reflects the fact that Kopár, the vineyard where the grapes for this wine are sourced, is a sun-drenched site located in the southernmost part of Hungary. Its rocky soil intensifies the sun’s rays, as the stones absorb heat during the day and release it onto the ripening grapes at night. Equally significant is the soil’s high limestone content, which allows the roots to easily access essential minerals, imparting a lovely vibrancy and minerality to the wine.

Yields are strictly limited to only 5–6 bunches per vine, and the grapes are meticulously sorted both manually and mechanically during harvest. The wine is aged in new, toasted 300-litre barrels sourced from the Zemplén forests in northern Hungary. These barrels complement the wine's explosive fruitiness while adding complexity.

Solus has an extremely dark, almost black core with purple tinges at the rim and a luscious, almost viscous body. Its complexity is exceptional, featuring saline and mineral notes that intertwine with fruity and sweet spice characteristics. On the palate, it presents aromas of plums, raspberries, and sour cherries, complemented by hints of dark chocolate and coffee. The wine is energetic, enhanced by suave acidity that highlights the ripe fruit flavours. Firm tannins provide both structure and longevity.

Food Pairing

Serve this wine with dishes such as venison Wellington, roasted duck, or a rich mushroom or aubergine ragù. It also complements softer, creamier cheeses like Brie or Camembert, as the fat in these cheeses beautifully softens the tannins, enhancing the wine's fruity and smooth characteristics. Additionally, it goes well with dark chocolate desserts or an indulgent mousse.

Serving temperature: 16-18°C

Grape variety: Merlot

Soil type: Loess and clay soil over limestone bedrock

Fermentation: Initially in wooden vats, followed by malolactic fermentation in wooden barrels

Ageing: 16 months in new, 300 litre Hungarian oak barrels

Alcohol content: 14.5%

Bottle size: 0.75l

Speciality: Vegan

A. Gere Winery, Villány

Founded in 1990, A. GERE is a family-owned winery with seven generations of winemaking traditions in Villány. The estate spans 75 hectares, utilising some of the region's finest vineyards and primarily focusing on Bordeaux grape varieties that thrive in the area's sub-Mediterranean climate.

The winery practices sustainable viticulture, hand-harvests its fruit, and employs modern winemaking techniques to produce concentrated and elegant red wines. Each vintage is crafted with care, resulting in contemporary masterpieces shaped by centuries of family heritage and the unique Villány terroir.