Musita Tariq Merlot, Sicily, Italy

This certified organic Merlot from western Sicily is smooth, fruity and easy to enjoy. Ripe blackberry and plum flavours are complemented by soft tannins and a touch of gentle spice, creating a well-balanced red with plenty of character. Versatile and approachable, it's equally at home with a midweek meal, homemade pizza or a relaxed evening with friends.

Tasting Notes & Food Pairings

The Profile:

An intense ruby red in the glass, opening with inviting aromas of dark cherries, ripe plums, blueberries, and subtle herbal spices. The palate is medium-bodied, soft, and beautifully balanced, offering juicy dark fruit flavours framed by smooth, polished tannins and a touch of dark chocolate on the clean finish.

Classic Pairings:

Rich tomato-based pasta dishes, pan-seared pork chops with herbs, roasted lamb shanks, or aged hard cheeses like Fontina and Pecorino.

Irish Favourite Pairings:

• Gourmet Irish Beef & Craft Ale Burger with Aged Cheddar: The wine's rich dark plum fruit and smooth tannins cut right through the juicy beef fat and melted cheddar, while its gentle spice balances the caramelized onions and smoky relish.
• Pan-Seared Dublin Bay Prawns in Garlic & Herb Butter: The lively berry fruit and balanced acidity slice through the rich, indulgent garlic butter without overpowering the delicate sweetness of the local seafood.
• Crispy Salt & Chili Chicken Spice Bag: The soft, juicy plum core and supple tannins absorb the chili heat without creating harsh bitterness, while the wine's brightness cuts right through the salty, fried crunch of the chips and chicken.

How the wine is made

Crafted by the Ardagna family in the hilly terrain surrounding Salemi in Western Sicily, where clay-rich soils and warm Mediterranean days are tempered by cool night breezes. The Merlot grapes are hand-harvested after mid-August and undergo careful destemming followed by a temperature-controlled fermentation at 26°C with frequent pump-overs to extract vibrant colour and soft tannins. The wine completes malolactic fermentation and ages for four months in stainless steel tanks and cement silos, preserving pure, unadulterated fruit character without heavy oak masking.

Why we love this producer

Deeply rooted in the countryside of Salemi, Musìta is a family-owned estate where five generations of the Ardagna family have cultivated the land for over 120 years. The estate's passion lies in showcasing Sicily's native grape varieties while honouring the Moorish and Mediterranean heritage of the region. We love Musìta for their commitment to bottling authentic Sicilian soul—blending historic viticulture with modern organic farming to produce wines of exceptional quality, character, and accessible charm.

Sustainability & Farming Practices

Certifications: Certified Organic under official European Union organic farming standards.

Vineyard Practices: Farmed without the use of synthetic chemical pesticides, weedkillers, or artificial fertilizers to nurture natural soil health and foster rich biodiversity in the Sicilian countryside. Winery operations focus on energy efficiency and low-intervention handling from vineyard to bottle.