Food to Complinent My Merlot

[JosephPaul]

I am looking for some snack or even light dinner suggestions to compliment some very nice wine I recently aqcuired while in Nappa. More specifically I purchased a case of 1997 Merlot from Cakebread Cellars. Any ideas??

[winoweenie]

J Paul, welcome to the board. You purchased some fine bottles from not only a fine producer but a nice man to boot.I personally like a triple-cream cheese like St. Andre with some basic water crackers with a wine such as yours as the creaminess of the cheese accents the silky mouthfeel. One of my favorite snacks with all reds is fresh popped buttered, lighty salted popcorn. Goes with everything ands fun to eat. winoweenie

[Innkeeper]

WW is right on with his suggestions. You might also try some strong deli food with it. Rollups or miniwiches of roast beef, hard salami, hot ham, slices of strong cheese all go well. For full meals stay with the heavies, beef, lamb, game, oily fin fish such as bluefish, mackerel, or fresh tuna. Avoid strong flavored veggies, shellfish, and anything heavy with vinegar such as salad dressing, pickled things, etc. The reason for these cautions is that the oak in the merlot clashes with these foods; and the relative lack of acidity doesn't help either.