The much-maligned Merlot – thanks to the movie “Sideways” – is wine that is worth a chance, especially among the uninitiated. Merlot is one of the five Bordeaux grapes, along with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Compared to its Bordeaux siblings, it can be on the mellower wide and pairs well with food.
Colorado’s Plum Creek Winery offers a delicious example of Merlot. Theirs has a deep ruby color and smells of blackberries, red cherries, and licorice. It tastes brighter than it looks, in a sip brimming with raspberries and tart cherries. The finish is smooth and mellow, with hints of vanilla and coffee.
It pairs well with roasted chicken and vegetables and, of course, dark chocolate truffles. The chocolate in particular brings out the fruit, giving the feel of chocolate-covered cherries.
Plum Creek wines are available at wine stores around Colorado and at the winery in Palisade, Colorado. The winery participates in the Grand Valley Winery Association’s annual “Barrel Into Spring” barrel tasting on April 26-27 and May 17-18, 2014 – an excellent excuse to plan a weekend trip to Colorado Wine Country.
Until our next adventure in wine and food…
Read more about Plum Creek Winery:
http://www.examiner.com/article/colorado-s-plum-creek-winery-a-synthesis-of-wine-and-art
http://www.examiner.com/article/palisade-barrel-tasting-weekend-superb-wines-are-the-barrel-part-2
http://www.examiner.com/article/lou-s-foodbar-colorado-wine-dinner-an-inspired-pairing
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