Description/Palate
Late harvest Merlot is not something new in
the wineworld. Some of the best Merlots produced in Pomerol
are picked late with high sugar levels and processed dry. It's
interesting to note that some of the same flavor characteristics
come through such as intense black cherry and a big, robust, almost
voluptuous styling. The Romainian Merlot of Vollreiflese has
the added quality of fresh, delicous sweetness which is very
attractive to many American Palates.
Background
Much like
neighboring Hungary, fruity late-harvest reds have been produced in
Romania for decades and the producers at Weinhaus Schloss Koblenz
got into the act with fruit from that country almost 30 years ago.
Their style is distinctive primarily because of their late harvest
production techniques which also produce extraordinary German wines.
Many who taste their eastern European reds note a real finesse and
classy styling of the wines.
Food Parings
Much like the late
harvest reds of Hungary, this wine is a natural with substantial
cheeses and ripe fruits. It’s a fun paring with foods on the spicy
side. There are few wines that go well with our Cincinnati style
chili spaghetti but this one does an admirable job!
Cellar Hints
Keep it cool (55-65 degrees F).
This red will age
well for 15 years or more but will drink very well now. It is served
slightly chilled or at cellar temperature depending on your taste.
Cool temperatures help emphasize the fruit character and as the wine
comes up more to room temperature you taste more of the spice.
