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2003 Colorado Merlot

2003 Colorado Merlot Wine Details
Price: $14.00 per bottle

Description: Extended maceration (skin contact: 32 days) and bleeding off of juice for the White Merlot (Saignée process) produced the very concentrated dark berry flavors of this full-bodied, rich wine. While ready for enjoyment upon release, this wine will improve with age, and can be cellared for 5 or more years. Suggested Food Pairings: Delicious with sharp cheeses, beef and red pasta dishes. Also pairs well with flavorful barbeque and game.

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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