A global favorite – perfected by our terroir. This collectible Merlot is crafted from selected grapes of the outstanding 2018 harvest, handpicked from an 8-hectare vineyard in the Mala Hora microzone.

The 2018 season was exceptional, with warm summer weather and a long, dry autumn allowing the grapes to ripen slowly, gaining rich aromas, balanced acidity, and smooth tannins. The wine was aged in French oak barrels, with extended bottle aging adding complexity and harmony to the flavor profile.

Each bottle is individually numbered in the limited FOUNDER’S RESERVE Merlot batch of just 457. The signature of Chateau Chizay’s founder, Hugo Gutman, guarantees its exceptional quality.

After two years of aging in oak barrels and 50 months in bottles, Merlot 2018 reveals a silky, rich character.

Its aroma combines ripe plum, black currant, and cherry with notes of vanilla, roasted coffee, and delicate chocolate.

The palate is round, with velvety tannins that create a full and elegant structure.

This wine pairs beautifully with juicy steaks, braised lamb, veal in creamy sauce, roast duck with apples, or rabbit. It’s also excellent with aged cheeses like Cheddar or Gouda, and local Zakarpattia artisan cheeses. A local wine for local dishes: Merlot perfectly complements subtle, mildly spiced flavors like cheese-filled varenyky with berry sauce, gentle gurka, cheese dumplings, plum-filled gombovtsi, and even Zakarpattia-style lecsó.