Tasting - Delea Bianco Di Merlot

Name: Delea Bianco Di Merlot (white Merlot)

Variety: Merlot

Region: Ticino

Country: Switzerland

Year: 2009

Price: $10 - 30$ (retail)


Chain Bridge Cellars review: Delea (the producer) makes a nice line of red wines, but has also been making a white wine from Merlot for years. This isn't a rose -- the grapes are pressed right after picking, so the color is similar to a rich Pinot Gris. In the mouth, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with loads of red currant, strawberry, and bright green grape fruit. It finishes dry and complex and very long. Use this like you would a Pinot Gris for sipping or pairing with rich foods with mushrooms or other earthy notes. Be bold - give it a try!

My review: At first I found it difficult to pick up the nose on this wine, but after a bit I found aromas of honey, flowers, and nearly burnt caramel. On the palate, I got a dry, lightly acidic, fruit and floral flavors. It's not a complex new world fruit bomb, but I could definitely taste several bitter fruits, such as the strawberry and green grape fruit like in the Chain Bridge Cellars review. I would also add red grape fruit. It was recommended that this wine be aged for two years before drinking; it's now five years since it's been bottled, so this wine's nose and taste are most likely not as great as had the wine been opened sooner. I would drink this wine by itself or pair it with creamy pasta dishes with earthy, Greek olives and mushrooms.    

I had this wine without food.