Menage Trois Red Blend

Ménage à Trois Red Blend is a California red built from three grape varieties, and it leans toward ripe, juicy fruit with a layer of spice rather than austere structure. At 13.5% ABV it sits in the middle of the range for California reds, so expect a full, rounded body that feels plush instead of heavy. Blends in this style typically show dark berry and plum fruit up front, with soft tannins and moderate acidity that keep the texture smooth and easy to drink without much grip. The softness is the point of the wine. Because the tannins are gentle and the fruit is generous, it suits foods that would flatten a tighter, more tannic red. Grilled sausages, burgers, and barbecued ribs with a sweet-leaning sauce are natural matches, as are baked pasta with a meaty tomato sauce, pizza with pepperoni or roasted vegetables, and a plate of aged cheddar or gouda. The spice in the blend also works with mildly seasoned dishes such as pulled pork, meatloaf, or roasted mushrooms. Serve it slightly cooler than room temperature, around 60 to 65°F (16 to 18°C). Twenty minutes in the refrigerator before opening is usually enough to bring a warm bottle into range, and it keeps the fruit lively instead of letting the alcohol feel hot. A decanter isn't necessary for a wine of this kind, though pouring it into a large glass and letting it sit for ten minutes or so will open up the aromas. A standard red wine glass with a generous bowl works well, filled no more than a third so the fruit and spice have room to show. This is a drink-now bottle. Wines in this approachable California style are made for current enjoyment rather than long cellaring, and the ripe fruit is at its most appealing in the first few years after release. An opened bottle keeps for a couple of days when recorked and stored in a cool place.