Decoy Sonoma Merlot

DECOY Sonoma Merlot is a California-appropriation Merlot from Sonoma County, bottled at 13.5% ABV, a moderate strength that suggests ripe fruit without the heat of bigger, riper reds. Expect a medium-to-full body with soft, rounded tannins and enough acidity to keep the fruit from turning jammy. The finish in this style is usually smooth and medium in length rather than grippy. Merlot's soft tannin structure is why it works with food that would flatten a leaner red. Braised beef, roast duck and pork loin all suit it, since the fruit and oak sit comfortably next to rich, savory meat. Mushroom dishes, meatloaf, burgers and hard cheeses such as aged cheddar or Gouda are easy matches too. Tomato-based pasta with sausage works well, as the wine's acidity handles the sauce. Very spicy or heavily smoked dishes tend to overwhelm the fruit, so pair those with something else. Serve it slightly below room temperature, around 60 to 65°F (16 to 18°C). Twenty minutes in the refrigerator before opening takes the edge off a warm bottle and keeps the alcohol from reading as hot. A bottle at this level does not need formal decanting, though pouring it into a decanter or simply letting it sit in the glass for 15 to 30 minutes can open up the aromatics. A standard red wine glass with a generous bowl gives the fruit room to develop, and a Bordeaux-style glass suits Merlot well. This is a drink-now wine. Styles like this are made for approachable, near-term enjoyment rather than long cellaring, and most are at their best within a few years of release. Open it for a weeknight roast or a casual dinner, and keep leftovers corked in a cool spot for a day or two.