This is a red wine you can chill for a bit, to enjoy during the summer. Even though it’s from the famed Bordeaux region, don’t hesitate to put it in the fridge for a half-hour or so before drinking — as if it just came out of a wine cellar.
The wine pairs well with many vegetable dishes such as tomato tarte and fresh mozzarella white pizza. The use of very ripe cabernet franc in the merlot-based blend adds delicacy to this wine. At first opening, there’s a hint of bright herbal garrigue in the aroma. On the palate, velvety red berry fruit is apparent but not overly dominant. The tannins are so fine as to be barely noticeable. With food, the flavors in the wine are enriched. A combination of delicacy and rusticity.
WHO: Château Lassègue
WHAT: 90% merlot, 10% cabernet franc
WHERE: Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France
HOW MUCH: $28 (media sample)