Mérula Wines: Belgian wine

Mérula Wines: Belgian wine redefining excellence

Mérula Wines is an innovative wine estate located in Bruges, on the historic Domaine De Blauwe Zaal in the heart of West Flanders. The vineyards are spread across carefully selected parcels of sandy loam and iron sandstone, a terroir known for excellent drainage, mineral tension and aromatic precision. The proximity of the North Sea creates a unique microclimate: cool nights, mild summers and a steady sea breeze that slows ripening and preserves natural acidity, resulting in wines with remarkable freshness, finesse and purity.

The story of Mérula began in 2010, when winemaker Marino Moenaert planted his first vines in Oostkamp. What started as a family‑rooted passion has grown into a professional estate of nearly 25 hectares, supported by entrepreneur Luc Beke. Today, Mérula is one of the most ambitious and fast‑growing wine projects in Flanders. The mission is clear: to firmly re‑establish Belgian wine on the map and make the Bruges region shine with wines shaped by purity, finesse and craftsmanship.

The vineyard plantings include both classic varieties, chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot gris, pinot blanc, pinot meunier, and modern grapes such as johanniter, solaris and auxerrois, which thrive in the Belgian climate. This blend of tradition and innovation forms the backbone of a wine collection defined by the Mérula signature: elegant, pure, expressive and gastronomic.

Belgian wine where quality meets heritage

Mérula stands out in Belgian viticulture through the artisanal precision applied at every step. From winter and summer pruning to hand harvesting, every detail is treated with near‑devotional care. The location along the Damse Vaart and the diversity of soil compositions lend the wines a unique signature: a fine tension between freshness, minerality and aromatic depth. The state‑of‑the‑art winery, equipped with stainless‑steel tanks and oak barrels, ensures technical excellence.

Mérula is also among the few estates in West Flanders producing both still wines and high‑quality sparkling wines using the méthode traditionnelle. The combination of terroir, craftsmanship and innovation has resulted in multiple awards, including a gold medal at the “Best Belgian Wine” competition for their sparkling cuvée, a first for the region.

By reviving the 19th‑century Bruges wine tradition, Mérula positions itself as a pioneer. The blend of historical roots and modern innovation makes the estate a reference in Belgian winemaking.

Belgian bubbles / Belbul – The benchmark for premium sparkling wine from Belgium

Mérula’s reputation for Belgian sparkling wine has surged in recent years. Their Belbul range is among the most celebrated in the country and is often cited as proof that Belgium is now a serious player in the world of high‑quality sparkling wine. The cool climate of West Flanders provides natural acidity and aromatic tension, ideal for the traditional method.

Belbul wines are known for their fine, persistent bubbles, aromas of citrus, green apple, white flowers and brioche, and a refreshing mineral finish. Long lees ageing, from twelve to thirty‑six months, adds gastronomic depth and complexity.

Tasting notes

Mérula Grand de Bruges Johanniter

A fresh, pure wine made from 100% johanniter, offering aromas of green apple, citrus and delicate floral notes. Bright, dry and mineral on the palate, with precise aromatics preserved through stainless‑steel vinification.

Mérula Grand de Bruges White

A blend of johanniter, auxerrois, solaris and siegerrebe, displaying fresh citrus, apple and white‑flower notes with subtle minerality. Dry, lively and slightly saline, with impressive versatility.

Mérula Grand de Bruges Rosé

An elegant rosé made from johanniter and monarch, with aromas of redcurrant, raspberry and white flowers. Dry, lively and fruit‑driven, with refreshing acidity. The Mérula rosé range enjoys national acclaim: Mérula Rosé received a Belgian Wine Award in the Gault & Millau Belgian Wine Guide 2025 as the best Belgian rosé.

Mérula Brut de Bruges Tradition

A fresh, precise sparkling wine from johanniter and auxerrois, offering citrus, green apple, white flowers and delicate brioche notes. Fine mousse, mineral tension and perfect balance.

Mérula Brut de Bruges Prestige

A complex extra‑brut cuvée made from 100% johanniter, characterised by green apple, citrus zest, white flowers and refined brioche. Tense, energetic palate with a long, dry finish thanks to extended lees ageing.

Winemaking techniques

• hand harvesting

• stainless‑steel fermentation for purity

• carefully selected oak barrels for structure

• traditional method for sparkling wines:

  • primary fermentation in inox

  • secondary fermentation in bottle

  • long lees ageing

  • manual or gyropalette riddling

  • precise dosage for optimal balance

Serving temperature & food pairings

• Sparkling wines: 6–8°C — oysters, sashimi, ceviche, refined seafood

• Fresh whites: 8–10°C — goat cheese, citrus salads, shellfish, asparagus

• Barrel‑aged whites: 10–12°C — poultry, creamy sauces, mushroom risotto

Mérula appeals to a wide audience, from curious beginners to seasoned connoisseurs. With their freshness, meticulous vinification and terroir‑driven character, the wines also offer excellent ageing potential. Choosing Mérula means embracing a unique wine experience where Bruges heritage, modern innovation and artisanal craft come together to shape the future of Belgian wine.