 |
|
Wine Details
Price:
Description:
Called “Merlot of the Rhone ” by the winemakers of Crystal Basin Cellars, this wine shows depth, complexity and a rich, round mouthfeel along with hints of blueberries and the trademark dustiness of the Mourvedre variety. This wine favors Bandol, the benchmark Mourvedre-based wine from France , but with the Sierra Foothill signature of lows tannins.
The grapes are from the seven-year-old Fodhla Vineyard just three miles from Crystal Basin Cellars. Wines from this vineyard gain in complexity and depth each year as the vines mature.
Made in the Crystal Basin Cellars style of minimal handling and processing, this Mourvedre is approachable and delicious upon release, but should improve for up to 36 months after bottling, gaining complexity with age.
|
|
Varietal Definition
Mourvedre:
As long as the weather is warm, Mourvedre ably tolerates a wide variety of soils. It is popular across the south of France, especially in Provence, where it is responsible for the greatness of Bandol, and many a fine red Cotes-du-Rhone. It is often blended in Chateauneuf-du-Pape; Languedoc makes it as a varietal. Spain uses it in many areas, including Valencia. In the United States, Mourvedre remains a minor factor for now, pursued by a few wineries that specialize in Rhone-style wines. The wine it produces can be quite pleasing, with medium weight, spicy cherry and berry flavors and moderate tannins. It ages well.
|
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.
|
|