Tasting Notes:
This 2022 Merlot “FN Awesomeness” wine is incredibly beautiful! The nose is captivating from the moment you invite in the aromas of bright cherry that transform into a darker cherry. The palate has alluring soft tannins, mild acidity with hints of blueberry and bright cherry.
Notes of sunshine:
Very Smooth but with the addition of a tiny spash of Petite Verdot and Cab it has some good body on the palate. This wine lives up to its "FN Awesome" name. Seductive intensity, smooth fine tannins on and that blueberry note that lifts the palate. This is a new project for us. With the success of the Cabernet Vineyard we are daring to make world class Merlot as well. This is the first vintage for us and we are super pleased.
Fun facts:
The goal in making this one was to reflect what we know, Merlot rocks! Merlot is a major part of some of the worlds greatest and most sought after Bordeaux Reds. It got a bad rap for a while i night USA because it was poorly made and overripe. It's now back to it's past glory. Think a mini – minor Chateau Petrus styled wine
Farm notes:
Merlot has many mothers including Camenere, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. It produces delicate, seductive wines, that love sunshine and ripen early. 50%+ of all plantings in Bordeaux are Merlot and it is planted all over the world exceeding Cabernet Sauvignons total acres. The way Elyse and the Vineyard owner farm this to capture the most softness and complexity, while retaining all the structure that makes it hang together.
Grape history:
Merlot, a clone, is known to come from the Southwest of France (Bordeaux Region) and was referred to in an article in the 1800's as a Merlau a Blackbird. Merlot enjoyed a celebrated and great history then a movie came out called Sideways making fun of it. Now, it was deserved. Most of the Merlot being made in the US at the time was gushy, mushy and sweetish. That set the grape back for a bit and Cabernet became king. This wine can when made right out shine a traditional Cabernet. Let's see....
Recipe:
Merlot can go with a more broad range of dishes including a blackened Salmon or Tuna. I like it with Pan Roasted Chicken or a wintery Bolognese
Tarbell’s Home Bolognese
- 1 lb Ground Organic Grass Fed Beef
- 1 lb Ground Organic Pork
- 2 Italian link sauages
- 1 lg Onion chopped fine
- 2 C Dry Red Wine
- 1 clove minced organic garlic
- 1 T minced organic Carrot
- 1 T minced organic Parsley
- 1/2 minced organic oregano
- 3/4 Cup EVOO
- 2 T organic heavy cream
- 3 C of homemade Marinara
- OR
- 4-5 Large Organic Tomatoes seeded and crushed
- 1 tsp Chile Flakes
- 1 T Cracked Black Pepper
- Organic Sea Salt Salt to taste and while cooking tomatoes and onions
- 4 T of Micro planed Parmesan to garnish
- Heat two rondo pans to medium plus temp then add enough EVOO to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Turn down one pan to medium and saute the onion until clear, add tomato cook the water out add the garlic chili flake, black pepper, cream, carrot and herbs. Salt it a little then cook down, stirring until dry and starting to caramelize. Add red wine and reduce to a syrup consistency.
- In the second pan and can be done at the same time. Turn down a notch and add the olive oil and the beef, pork and sausage. Move with a spatula and brown the meats.
- Add the two pans together, stir, reduce and season.
- Add fresh Pappardelle Pasta to boiling water, strain and toss together.
- Serve
- Season with salt and a touch of fresh organic lemon juice.
- Micro planed Parmesan to garnish