I must admit, I, like many, fell victim to the anti-Merlot movement after Sideways. I’ve yet to meet a grape I don’t like, I just simply thought that anything trumped Merlot.
But trends eventually die—Mullets. Need I say more?—and that which is noble lives on.
Having been around for centuries, a little Hollywood bullying couldn’t hold Merlot down for too long. A noble grape indeed, when made right, Merlot can make for one happy palate.
This Merlot comes from Chile’s Casablanca Valley, infamous for memorable coastal Sauvignon Blancs, Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs…but Merlot? Gotta love how Chilean winemakers are constantly experimenting, because this is one venture gone very right. It turns out that Merlot can do very well in Chilean cool climates as well.
Catrala Merlot 2015 is fresh and juicy with aromas of blueberries and spices such as black pepper. Ripe fruit with tobacco notes on the palate with silky tannins, a full mouth and a pleasant medium (+) finish. It would be interesting to try this again in a few years to see how it matures, as the cellar potential is there.
It goes great with spinach ricotta-filled tortellini, a simple Pomodoro sauce and garlic bread. Mamma mía!
And before you know it, the bottle’s gone and you’re utterly content.
