You want a red that just gets on with it. This is that bottle. Pour it and you get a wave of ripe mulberry and plum, soft as anything, with a little vanilla warmth riding underneath. The tannins (that grippy, drying bit reds can have) are dialled right down, so it goes down smooth without any chew. Friday night, a plate of nyama choma, zero fuss. It's the most popular Merlot in the country for a reason, and once it's in the glass you'll get why.
Nose first: gentle red berries and a toasty vanilla note, the kind you get from time spent on oak. Then the palate leans into classic Merlot, ripe mulberry and juicy summer fruit, rounded and plush. It's medium-bodied, so it sits nicely between a light pour and a big heavy red. The tannins are soft and well-behaved, the finish is clean and smooth, and there's just a whisper of oak spice to keep it interesting. Easy to like, hard to put down.
The details
Pairs well with
Where it's from
Four Cousins comes from Van Loveren Family Vineyards in the Robertson Valley, Western Cape. The name is literal: two sets of brothers, cousins from the Retief family, who joined the farm and launched the range in 2000. It's since grown into South Africa's biggest-selling bottled wine brand. This Collection bottling is a single-varietal Merlot, matured on French oak for around eight months, which is where that soft vanilla edge comes from.
Good to know
- What is the price of Four Cousins Collection Merlot 75cl?
Four Cousins Collection Merlot 75cl is KSh 1,069 at Oaks & Corks. Order online for fast delivery across Nairobi, usually within the hour, or next day countrywide.
- What does Four Cousins Collection Merlot 75cl taste like?
Ripe mulberry and plum with gentle red berries and a toasty vanilla note from the oak. It's medium-bodied, soft and smooth with well-behaved tannins and a clean finish.
- What is the ABV of Four Cousins Collection Merlot?
It's 13.5% alcohol, a standard strength for a South African red.
- How do I serve it?
Slightly cool, around 16 to 18°C, in a wide red wine glass. About 20 minutes in the fridge first if the room is warm. No ice, no mixing.
- What food pairs with Four Cousins Collection Merlot?
Grilled and smoked meats love it, so think nyama choma, lamb, roast chicken and beef stew. It also works with creamy pasta and flavourful cheeses.
- Where is it from and who makes it?
It's made by Van Loveren Family Vineyards in the Robertson Valley, South Africa. Four Cousins is the country's biggest-selling bottled wine brand.
- Is this a sweet wine?
No, this is the dry single-varietal Merlot from the Collection range, not one of the Four Cousins sweet wines. It's smooth and fruity but not sweet.
Four Cousins Collection Merlot 75cl
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Four Cousins Collection Merlot 75cl price in Kenya
Buy Four Cousins Collection Merlot 75cl online in Nairobi, Kenya for KSh 1,069. Order now for fast delivery across Nairobi — usually within 30 minutes — or next-day delivery countrywide.