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Napa Valley Merlot

Napa Valley Merlot Wine Details
Price: $42.00 per bottle

Description: Vibrant red fruit aromas of cranberry, raspberry, and strawberry rise from the glass and mingle with spicy notes of cardamom, anise, and vanilla. Similar flavors weave across the palate along with bright red plum and nutmeg. Soft, subtle tannins create a silky entry and medium weight to this well balanced wine. Enjoy the 2005 Merlot with a pork tenderloin in pomegranate sauce or, for more casual fare, try it with a prosciutto and brie panini.

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.


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