Norton 1895 Merlot

Norton 1895 Merlot is a 100% Merlot from Mendoza, Argentina, bottled at approximately 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Part of Bodega Norton's 1895 Colección — named for the winery's founding year — this expression represents one of Argentina's most accessible introductions to high-altitude Merlot.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~13.5%  |  Origin: Mendoza, Argentina  |  Varietal: 100% Merlot  |  Winery: Bodega Norton

Production & Heritage

Bodega Norton was established in 1895 by English engineer Edmund James Palmer Norton in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza. Since 1989, the estate has been owned by the Swarovski family, who invested heavily in modernizing vineyards and winemaking facilities. Norton's vineyards sit at elevations around 950 meters above sea level in Mendoza's foothills, where wide diurnal temperature swings help preserve natural acidity in the fruit. The 1895 Colección line serves as the bodega's introductory range, designed to showcase varietal character with minimal oak influence — a deliberate stylistic choice reflecting Norton's broader shift toward freshness and site expression over heavy wood treatment.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with bright red cherry and ripe raspberry, followed by subtle floral notes reminiscent of violets. A faint herbal undertone — sometimes described as eucalyptus — adds complexity without overshadowing the fruit.

Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-driven, with cherry and red berry flavors dominating the mid-palate. The body is medium and elegant, carrying well-integrated tannins that provide structure without harshness. A gentle spice note emerges toward the peak, lending depth to the otherwise fruit-forward profile.

Finish: The finish is clean and pleasantly smooth, with lingering raspberry and soft tannins that fade gradually. It is moderate in length, leaving a fresh, balanced impression.

How to Drink Norton 1895 Merlot

This Merlot drinks well at a slight chill — around 16–18°C (60–64°F) — and needs no decanting. It is straightforward enough to enjoy by the glass without ceremony. For a classic Merlot-based sangria, its ripe berry character provides a natural fruit base. In a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola), the soft tannins blend seamlessly for a casual summer drink. It also works in a red wine spritzer, where its fresh acidity holds up against the dilution of soda water and ice.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where an easy-drinking red is all you need
• Introducing someone to Argentine wines beyond Malbec
• Casual gatherings and barbecues where approachability matters
• Building an affordable wine rotation for everyday enjoyment

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Norton 1895 Merlot taste like? It is a fruit-forward, medium-bodied Merlot dominated by cherry and raspberry flavors with soft, well-balanced tannins and a clean finish.

How does Norton 1895 Merlot compare to Trapiche Oak Cask Merlot? Both are value-tier Argentine Merlots from Mendoza, but the Norton 1895 leans toward fresher fruit expression with less oak influence, while Trapiche Oak Cask emphasizes its barrel aging with more pronounced vanilla and spice notes.

Is Norton 1895 Merlot good for beginners? Yes — its approachable fruit profile, soft tannins, and lack of aggressive oak make it an excellent starting point for anyone exploring red wine.

Where is Norton 1895 Merlot made? It is produced by Bodega Norton in Mendoza, Argentina, one of the country's most celebrated wine regions, located in the foothills of the Andes at high altitude.

What foods pair well with Norton 1895 Merlot? Grilled chicken thighs work well, as the wine's soft tannins complement char without competing. Mild hard cheeses like young Gouda echo its fruit sweetness. Pasta with tomato-based sauces mirrors the wine's acidity. Empanadas — especially beef — are a natural regional pairing. Roasted bell peppers and eggplant also complement the herbal undertones.

What sizes does Norton 1895 Merlot come in? The standard format is a 750ml bottle, which is widely available in the 1895 Colección range.

Is Norton 1895 Merlot worth the price? Norton 1895 Merlot sits firmly in the entry-level value tier, and it delivers clean varietal character at a price point that makes it a reliable everyday red rather than a special-occasion bottle.

Why Norton 1895 Merlot?

Bodega Norton's 1895 Colección exists to show what high-altitude Mendoza fruit can deliver without relying on oak as a crutch. The Merlot expression in this range benefits from the same vineyard elevation — roughly 950 meters — that has built the bodega's reputation for Malbec, translating altitude-driven freshness into a grape variety that often lacks acidity in warmer, lower-elevation sites. Backed by over 125 years of winemaking history and the resources of Swarovski family ownership, Norton consistently delivers reliable quality at this tier. For drinkers curious about Argentine reds beyond Malbec, this bottle makes a compelling and low-risk case for Mendoza Merlot.