theCompass
 Home   Map   Blog Roll   WineCompass   Wine 101   My Compass 

California Merlot

California Merlot Wine Details
Price: $12.00 per bottle

Description: The San Ysidro Vineyards and our Estate Regan vineyards have once again provided us with luscious Merlot. Cool morning coastal fog keeps daytime temperatures very moderate and allows for a long growing season. San Ysidro Vineyard always develops the bright ripe cherry fruit that Merlot is known for. While Regan Vineyards Merlot lends richness to the palate. Ripe fruit carries throughout the flavors. The finish is silky and supple with a hint of smoky oak rounding out the wine. The vintage while enjoyable now should age well for 1-3 years.

Varietal Definition
Merlot:
Merlot is known as a Noble Bordeaux varietal. Although it came to France in the first century, it was not named until the 1880s. Merlot was originally used only for blending, as it is soft and compliant, very useful in softening other Bordeaux wines like Cabernets. Recently in California and Chile it became popular as a 100% varietal wine. Merlot tends to be easier to grow in a variety of soil conditions and is harvested earlier in the year than Cabernet. Although most Merlots are made to be drunk earlier, there are many with complexities of a Cabernet. Flavors of plum, black cherry, violet, chocolate and orange pair well with rich, red pasta dishes, hearty chicken dishes, and any beef combination that you fancy. The perfect match of course is chocolate. Not only does the chocolate compliment the wine and vice-versa, but the essence of both flavors linger eternally.


Reviews




Back to Bargetto Winery information