ageing : This Merlot is ready to drink now, or keep for another five to six years.
AS A PARTNER TO FOOD
A very versatile wine that can be served with most meats, including cold roast beef, garlicky roast lamb, spicy ribs or stuffed turkey. Will also partner less assertive meat dishes like veal piccata, liver, lamb stew or shepherd’s pie. Also try with pastas and pizzas and robust fish dishes.
Te Merlot 2000 is a perfect partner for the Christmas turkey, for stuffed chicken, quail and roast duck. Care should just be taken not to use too much rosemary and garlick in the accompanying dishes, or very dominant herbs and spices which will, in turn, dominate the wine. Also, avoid sauces which have been thickened with flour, or enriched with cream. Instead, use a glass of this Merlot to enrich any sauce.
Side dishes prepared from potatoes, red cabbage, Chinese cabbage, carrots, peas and big, black mushrooms are very happy with a glass of Merlot 99 on the side. And finally: a red wine to serve with two of the most difficult foods: Camembert and Brie.
The Merlot is delightful to sip on its own. Serve at 16 - 18 degrees Celsius.