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Alterra Napa Valley Merlot Pairing

Tonight we had the pleasure of breaking bread over two new wines with a light Mediterranean dinner.

A few family members, two new Merlot’s to taste along with some tasty fare always makes for a memorable evening and engaging conversation.

Despite the decline of the popular Merlot’s after the movie Sideways where the character Miles in a rant exclaims “If anyone orders Merlot, I’m leaving. I am NOT drinking any f***ng Merlot!”, Merlot is making a comeback. It is a very accessible wine and generally a crowd pleaser in the under $12 range.

On the table:

One bottle of Alterra Napa Valley Merlot 2006 & one of Cupcake Central Coast Merlot California 2006.
With this pairing at least the Alterra was the clear winner. Everyone liked the Cupcake Merlot but two comments of “I like the other one better” (Alterra) sealed the deal.

Reviews for both will follow. We are fans of Cupcake vineyards and gave their 2005 Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon a best deal rating in this review Cupcake Vineyards 2005 Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon Review

As always our tasters are wine drinkers not over the top connoisseurs. They like what they like and it is what it is. Whether a $40 of Sterling or a $9 bottle of Alterra. They liked the Alterra and made a note of it.

This may not be the ideal pairing for a Merlot but it was a hit and considered a success. After all our eclectic group of rouge taster have paired a $70 bottle of Chardonnay with Lays classic potato chips and french onion dip (heaven).

Here is what the wines were paired with which went over well, pairing nicely.

Don’t be afraid to stray from the suggestions in the wine snob rags, you will be missing out on some excellent taste sensations.

Alterra & Cupcake Merlot Pairing

Fresh Baked Sourdough Bread (stick)
Fresh Baked French Bread w/poppy seeds (stick)
Aged Cheddar Cheese (Cracker Barrell)
Aged Vermont Sharp Cheddar (Cracker Barrell)
Fresh Strawberries Organic Cane Sugar for dipping.
Fresh White & Red Grapes
Carapelli Florence Olive oil 100% Italian First Cold Pressing Extra virgin – This is a hearty olive oil best for flavoring and dipping bread
Bread Dip Seasonings (JM Exotic Foods Inc) Sicily Blend/Parmesan Blend/Tuscany Blend/Garlic Rosemary Blend in order of popularity.
Fresh steamed local shrimp with old bay seasonings
Antipasto– baby artichoke hearts, pine nut stuffed Greek olives, black olives, roasted red peppers, Greek pepperoncini, kalamti olives,
Napa Valley Bistro Mediterranean Olive Antipasto marinated with herbs and Napa Valley Merlot, kalamata, Spanish, fresh garlic, peppers, red bell peppers
Prosciutto wrapped mozzarella
Thin sliced salami.