One of the best values currently available anywhere and an ‘everyday-useful’ wine is the Domain Oustric Merlot, Vin de Pays d’Oc, from Bernard Magrez.

Bernard Magrez is a leading family-owned and operated wine company based in Bordeaux.

Bernard Magrez, a self-made businessman, is the sole owner of four Bordeaux Classified Growths: Château Pape Clément, Château La Tour Carnet, Château Fombrauge and his latest addition from Sauternes, Clos Haut-Peyraguey. Today his portfolio is composed of 40 vineyards covering Bordeaux, Languedoc, Provence and eight other countries: Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Uruguay, Chile, Argentina, the U.S. (California) and Japan.

The vines of domaine Oustric grow just a stone’s throw from the famous medieval city of Carcassonne in Couffoulens, an ancient Gallo-Roman site. In 1063 the village, with its typically medieval architecture, was built around the Château de Couffoulens which had originally being built by the Romans. Oustric was the name of the estate owner in 1749. This estate is 38 hectares of multiple varieties.

The 2011 Oustric Merlot, Vin de Pays d’Oc is 100% Merlot from 15 year old vines fermented and aged in stainless steel vats to preserve the freshness of its fruit. The wine exhibits aromas and flavors of blueberries, crushed red berries and black cherries; medium-bodied, with round mouthfeel and silky tannins and a smooth, fruity finish. Serve with light appetizers, mixed salads, red meats, charcuterie and aged cheeses.

The 2011 Oustric Merlot is currently available at most ABC Fine Wine & Spirits stores and is priced at $9.99.

Atanas Nechkov, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Wine Supervisor

Follow him on Twitter @abcwineatanas