Grand Estates Merlot 2017 - Columbia Crest

Grand Estates Merlot from Columbia Crest, Washington State Wine Region - Columbia Valley - is a velvety, lush red wine cuvée made from Merlot (90%), Cabernet Sauvignon (5%) and Cabernet Franc (5%) grape varieties. 

In the glass, this wine shines in a warm ruby red with purple highlights. The nose enjoys sweetly ripened shade morals, juicy black cherries and dark berries (especially blackberries). This is accompanied by delicate notes of dark chocolate and a hint of cedar wood. On the palate, this American red wine has a lush powerful body with velvety soft tannin. the powerful texture is perfectly surrounded by a dark berry fruit fullness. in the finale, this red wine awaits with a long reverberation and nuances of coffee and chocolate. 

Vinification of Columbia Crest Merlot Grand Estates

With optimum ripeness from September, the grapes for this red wine are harvested and immediately brought to the winery. The harvested material is ground to 70% and the remaining 30% remains in whole berries. In the stainless steel tank, the mash is fermented separately for 6 to 10 days according to the grape variety. After the fermentation process is complete, the grape varieties are ground and this wine undergoes the biological acid degradation both in the stainless steel tank and in oak barrels. Finally, this wine matures for 14 months in oak barrels - one third of which is new wood. 

Food recommendation for the Merlot Grand Estates Columbia Crest

This dry red wine from the USA is an excellent accompaniment to fried duck breast with blueberry and dumplings, beef ragout with fresh herbs or to blue cheese.