Domaine Faiveley Mercurey

Red Mercurey is traditionally a Pinot Noir wine, and bottles under this name usually show the style's medium-bodied, savory-leaning character. Expect red cherry and raspberry fruit with a touch of wild strawberry, then earthier notes of forest floor, dried herbs, and a little spice. Mercurey reds tend to be a bit sturdier and more structured than the lightest Pinot Noirs. Tannins are usually moderate and fine-grained, acidity is bright and keeps the fruit lively, and any oak is typically subtle, adding light toast or clove rather than obvious vanilla. The finish is generally medium in length and dry. These are general expectations for the style, not a measured profile of this particular bottle. At the table, this style suits foods with some savor but not heavy weight. Roast chicken, duck breast with cherry or orange, pork tenderloin, and mushroom dishes like risotto or tarts are natural matches. Salmon or tuna cooked medium, and charcuterie, work well too. Soft, nutty cheeses such as Gruyère, or a gently ripened Brie, suit the acidity and moderate tannin. Avoid very spicy dishes and heavily charred red meats, which tend to flatten the fruit. Serve it lightly cool, around 14 to 16°C (57 to 61°F). A short time in the refrigerator and then 15 minutes on the counter gets close. Pinot Noir is delicate, so decanting isn't usually necessary. If the wine seems tight on opening, pouring it into a decanter or large glass for 20 to 30 minutes can help the aromas open. A Burgundy-style glass with a wide bowl and tapered rim concentrates the red fruit and earthy aromas. Wines in this style are generally enjoyable on release and can also hold for a few years in a cool, dark place, where the fruit tends to deepen into more savory, leathery tones. Without a confirmed vintage, the safest approach is to open it within the next couple of years. If you choose to cellar it, check on it periodically.