Product Description

Fratelli Classic Merlot is a popular Indian red wine made from a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc grapes, carefully selected and handpicked from the vineyards of Akluj, Maharashtra. This smooth and approachable medium-bodied wine showcases rich fruit flavors with soft, velvety tannins, making it perfect for casual gatherings, meals, and easy drinking. The wine balances fruit-forward character with subtle spice and oak influence, creating a harmonious and accessible red wine experience.​

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep ruby red to vibrant ruby color with garnet hues and brilliant clarity

Aroma: Moderate intensity aromas of ripe plums, black cherries, strawberry, hints of vanilla, dark chocolate, and subtle earthiness; youthful vivacity with fresh fruit character

Palate: Medium-bodied with medium acidity and light warmth from alcohol; flavors of ripe red berries, dark plums, cherry, mocha, vanilla, and a touch of spice; silky and smooth texture with light tannins that are well-integrated and non-astringent; gentle mouthfeel with proper balance

Finish: Long and enjoyable finish with lingering fruity notes, pleasant aftertaste, and subtle spice notes​

Available Sizes

750 ml

375 ml

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

12% to 13%

Style/Type

Medium-bodied red blend / Merlot blend

Grape Variety

80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc

Closure Type

Screw Cap

Body Type

Medium-bodied to Medium-Full bodied

Company/Producer

Fratelli Vineyards Private Limited

Brewery/Distillery Location

Akluj, Solapur District, Maharashtra, India; Vineyards also located at Baramati in the Deccan Plateau region

Origin

India (Akluj and Baramati, Maharashtra)

Production Method

Handpicked grape selection with careful fermentation in stainless steel tanks; grapes are destemmed and crushed before fermentation at controlled temperatures

Expression/Variant

80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc blend (Classic expression)

Cask or Barrel Type

Aged in French oak barrels for 6-12 months combined with stainless steel tanks; light oak influence for structure and subtlety

Still Type

Conventional fermentation

Aged Period

6-12 months oak aging followed by bottle maturation

Release Year

2024 (current vintage at tasting); continuous production

Terroir Characteristics

The mineral-rich terroir of Akluj contributes to the wine’s complexity and depth. Carefully nurtured vineyard management ensures proper ripeness while maintaining balanced acidity.​

Awards & Recognition

Consistently rated 4.4 out of 5 by independent consumers (12+ reviews); recognized as a testament to craftsmanship and passion at Fratelli Wines; well-received for smooth, approachable character and excellent value.​

Food Pairing Recommendations

Red meat dishes including beef and lamb, game meats, grilled steaks, barbecue ribs, tandoori lamb, lamb biryani, spaghetti Bolognese, pasta with tomato-based sauces, duck preparations, aged cheddar cheese, Comté cheese, Gruyère cheese, dark chocolate, mushroom risotto, Goan vindaloo, spicy sausages​

Serving Temperature

Best served at 16-18°C (60-64°F) to enhance its complex flavors and aromas; decant for 30 minutes before serving to enhance aromatic expression​

Body & Taste Profile

Medium-bodied with a balanced profile combining soft, velvety tannins with vibrant fruit flavors. The wine is remarkably smooth and approachable, making it ideal for both serious wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers. The gentle character and proper balance keep the palate engaged despite straightforward complexity.​

Expert Reviews

Overall Rating: 4.4 out of 5 (12+ independent reviews). Le Bageecha gave it a score of 69/100, noting that “Fratelli Classic Merlot is a testament to the craftsmanship and passion that defines Fratelli Wines.” Consumer feedback highlights its smooth and enjoyable character. The wine is described as thoroughly enjoyable with potential for growth and development over time.​

Cocktail Recommendations

Mulled Red Wine: Combine wine with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, honey, and water; heat gently for 20 minutes

Red Velvet: Mix with vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice

Red Wine Fizz: Combine with lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white, and soda water

Red Wine Mule: Blend with ginger beer and lime juice​

Price Section (Indicative Retail Prices in Major Indian Cities)

750 ml – Fratelli Classic Merlot – ₹750 (Delhi – State Excise MRP)

750 ml – Fratelli Classic Merlot – ₹750 (Maharashtra general retail )

750 ml – Fratelli Classic Merlot – ₹820 (Kolkata/West Bengal – State Excise MRP)

750 ml – Fratelli Classic Merlot – ₹1,080 (Hyderabad/Telangana – State Excise MRP)

750 ml – Fratelli Classic Merlot – ₹800 (Mangalore/Karnataka – State Excise MRP)

750 ml – Fratelli Classic Merlot – ₹740 (Goa)

375 ml – Fratelli Classic Merlot – ₹370 (Delhi – Proportional pricing)

375 ml – Fratelli Classic Merlot – ₹410 (Kolkata – Proportional pricing)

Online retail prices

750 ml price in Bangalore (KA): ₹775
375 ml price in Delhi (DL): ₹370
750 ml price in Delhi (DL): ₹750
750 ml price in Ghaziabad (UP): ₹740
750 ml price in Goa (GEN): ₹600
750 ml price in Hyderabad (TG): ₹775
750 ml price in Kolkata (WB): ₹795
750 ml price in Lucknow (UP): ₹630
750 ml price in Mumbai (MH): ₹775
375 ml price in Mumbai (MH): ₹380
750 ml price in Noida (UP): ₹740

750 ml price in (PUN/GEN) Punjab: ₹928.00

375 ml price in (PUN/GEN) Punjab:₹464.00

Availability

Available at any wine shop across India; widely distributed through national retailers and online platforms; easily accessible at most liquor outlets and specialty wine retailers

Disclaimer

Note – This is an indicative price, not MRP. The state sets only the Minimum Selling Price (MSP). The sale price shown on our website is the Minimum Retail Price set by state govt. Retailers are free to set their own prices, so rates may vary across stores.​