Cavit Merlot

Cavit Merlot comes as a four-pack, which suits anyone who wants to try Merlot a few times before committing to a full case, or who wants a few bottles ready for different meals. They aren't measured figures for this bottle. Merlot of this type is typically medium-bodied and soft. Expect ripe red plum and black cherry, sometimes with a touch of cocoa or dried herbs. Tannins in this style are usually gentle and rounded, and acidity sits in the moderate range. That makes the wine easy to drink without food, and it won't taste harsh next to rich dishes. Oak, if present, tends to be light and shows up as a hint of vanilla or spice rather than heavy toast. Expect a smooth, fairly short-to-medium finish. That profile pairs well with food that has some fat and savory depth but not much heat. Good matches include roast chicken, pork loin, burgers, meatloaf, baked pasta with tomato and sausage, mushroom dishes, and mild to medium cheeses such as Gouda, cheddar or provolone. It is less suited to very spicy dishes, where the fruit can come across as flat, and to delicate fish. Serve it slightly cooler than room temperature, around 60 to 65°F. Twenty minutes in the refrigerator before opening usually gets it there. A wine in this style doesn't need decanting, though pouring it into a glass a few minutes ahead lets the fruit open up. A standard red wine glass with a moderately wide bowl is all it needs. This is a drink-now wine, best enjoyed while the fruit is fresh rather than cellared for years.