Tuesday, July 26, 2016

The Romance Between Merlot and Malbec



There is a romance at Whitecliff Vineyards & Winery and it's between Merlot and Malbec. The two grapes they source from vineyards on Long Island. Last year their Merlot - Malbec won a gold medal at the Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Competition.  This year they released a 2015 Merlot - Malbec Rose.

Winemaker Brad Martz has done a great job on the Merlot-Malbec blend and this Rose is no exception.  This 2015 Rose blend is 58% Merlot and 42% Malbec and is a rich salmon in color.

Aromas of cherry, raspberry and some floral notes filled the glass.  On the palate the Rose was  quite a complex.  Cranraspberry and dark cherry flavors softly filled my mouth.  A nice acid to fruit balance made it very enjoyable.  Just as the wine finishes in your mouth there is a burst of red cherry on the finish.

A very versatile Rose.  I had it with some Manchego Cheese while waiting for company to arrive. The cheese held its own with the wine.


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