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Merlot

Merlot Wine Details
Price: $13.99 per bottle

Description: The grapes for the 2003 Snake River Merlot were sourced 100% from the Arena Valley Vineyard. The wine was aged in 60 % new French and American oak barrels and 40% one year old barrels for twelve months. The wine is full-bodied and complex with a firm acid backbone and clear garnet color. The aromas are cherry, cassis and spicy oak. It finishes smooth with a hint of bittersweet chocolate.

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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