Sacchetto Merlot

[Innkeeper]

1999 Sacchetto, La Cortigiana, Merlot, Veneto ($12 Is-Wine). This is the 80% merlot and 20% cabernet sauvignon that Foodie was touting on the Merlot Thread a while back. After an exchange of information, secured a supply of it. Brought three bottles to a reception of our local marketing group last month, where it was a big hit with the pot luck meal.

Last night we popped the first one with our own meal. It was wonderful. Big blast of black fruit and plums on the nose and upfront. Delicious earthy complexity (not normally found in New World merlots), subdued oak, and chewy tannin across the palate; and a lingering finish. Matched with a porterhouse steak broiled with OO and Morton Rub, and a salad with homemade Italian Vinaigrette. Very, very nice.

[Innkeeper]

Had another bottle tonight with mesquite smoked boneless sirloin tonight with baked yams, and "Frenchie" green beans almondine. Very nice.

[Innkeeper]

Enjoyed the last one last night. It went very will with broiled extra thick lamb rib chops, and limas. Now there is only one bottle of merlot in the house!

[Botafogo]

This winery is actually called Cantina Gallo (which can be read under the decals covering it up on some cases but the boys in Modesto won't stand for that so they use the family name!