Smooth and Easy Merlot for Fall
Welcome to the Fall Wine Lovers!
“Celebrate Fall. Put on your Favorite sweater and cozy up with a glass of wine.”
– Wine Wednesday Rule #66
Wednesdays aren’t the only fall day that I like to enjoy a glass of a good wine. Fall offers us a chance to slow down just a little before the hectic pace of the holiday season. Summer generally calls for lighter wines such as a Sauvignon Blanc and winters favor hearty Cabernet Sauvignons.
I find that the cooler fall nights as well as my favorite pastime – watching football – are well suited for a lighter red varietal grape in the Merlot. Today’s blog will feature the smooth and well rounded Sandstone Lot Merlot from Wente Vineyards (www.wentevinyards.com).
| Wente Sandstone Lot Merlot 2012 |
Wente Vineyards is a fifth generation family owned Vineyard and Winery established in 1883 in Livermore Valley (Livermore, California). With over 130 acres Wente produces wine using sustainable farming practices. Karl D. Wente leads the vineyard as the primary winemaker.
The 2012 Sandstone Lot Merlot that I recently demonstrated exhibits aromas and flavors of black cherry, blackberry and plum. This Merlot was aged for 16 months in neutral French and American oak to provide a hint of toasted oak flavor as the wine settles on your palate. The Sandstone lot Merlot doesn’t impart heavy tannins which make it an easy red wine to savor.
PositiveVines ‘HelpfulTip: The Merlot grape originated in the Bordeaux region of France. It is a widely planted and early harvested dark red grape that is hard to categorize. Merlot grapes can be used alone or in a variety of red wine blends.
The Sandstone Lot Merlot would be well paired with a variety of fall foods. Chili blends, pork and chicken are a few that come to mind. At $13USD per bottle the Sandstone Lot Merlot is at a great price point to pick up a couple of bottles today and enjoy for the weekend.
Let me know what you think! Post to my blog or email me. I’m always thrilled to hear from wine enthusiasts.