Brander Merlot Add
Fat Cat Merlot Add
Wines are recomendations only and may not be carried by this store.

Brander Merlot

Attributes:
Producer:

Brander Vineyards
Region:

Santa Ynez Valley, United States
Varietal:

Merlot
Bottle Size:

750 ML

2003: Tanzer Rating: 86
Flavors:

blackberry, grapey, licorice, oak, violet
Fruit:

juicy

2002: WineEnthusiast Rating: 84
Body:

lean
Flavors:

cherry, earthy, herbs

2001: WineSpectator Rating: 81
Flavors:

currant, earth, herb, oak

2000: WineSpectator Rating: 83
Complexity:

supple
Flavors:

black currant, herbal, plum, toasty oak, violet

1999: WineEnthusiast Rating: 85
Complexity:

complex
Flavors:

black-cherry, oak

1997: Tanzer Rating: 86
Acidity:

tart
Flavors:

cedar, earthy, plum, vegetal

Food Matches:
Pasta & Grains: Lasagna
Poultry & Eggs: Roast Chicken with Herbs
Red Meat: Barbeque Pulled-Pork or Ribs, Casseroles / Hot Dish, Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Wild Game - Elk, Caribou, Moose, Venison
Sauces: Red Wine Sauce
Vegetables: Beans, White, Mushrooms, Potatoes, Tomato

Merlot:

(mer loh) Deep in color, high in alcohol and low in tannins, this grape is grown mostly in California, France, Washington, New York and Chile. The aromas and flavors can be plummy, chocolaty, and even redolent of tea leaves. It is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon although it is the most prevalent grape variety in Bordeaux.


Santa Ynez Valley:

In Santa Barbara County, this was the set, and location of shooting for the movie "Sideways". Located in the central coast of California, the region runs east to west along the river surrounded by the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Rafael Mountains. The very cool temperatures on the coast become progressively warmer as the valley moves inland.

Fat Cat Merlot

Attributes:
Producer:

Fat Cat
Region:

California, United States
Varietal:

Merlot
Bottle Size:

750 ML

2004: WineEnthusiast Rating: 83
Flavors:

cherries

Food Matches:
Pasta & Grains: Lasagna
Poultry & Eggs: Roast Chicken with Herbs
Red Meat: Barbeque Pulled-Pork or Ribs, Casseroles / Hot Dish, Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Wild Game - Elk, Caribou, Moose, Venison
Sauces: Red Wine Sauce
Vegetables: Beans, White, Mushrooms, Potatoes, Tomato

Merlot:

(mer loh) Deep in color, high in alcohol and low in tannins, this grape is grown mostly in California, France, Washington, New York and Chile. The aromas and flavors can be plummy, chocolaty, and even redolent of tea leaves. It is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon although it is the most prevalent grape variety in Bordeaux.


California:

California produces the majority of wine made in the United States. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir dominate the wine production in California, but many other varietials thrive in the California climate. Many fine wines are produced in California using Mediterranean grapes.

Mexican Lasagna

Rated

Ingredients

1 large onion, chopped
1/2 green pepper, chopped
2 tsp (10 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-1/4 lbs (568 g) lean ground beef
2 tbsp chopped jalapeño pepper
2 cups tomato sauce
1-1/2 cups (375 ml) low-sodium beef broth
1 tbsp flour
Salt to taste
6 small flour tortillas, cut into three strips each
3 tbsp (45 ml) finely chopped cilantro (optional)
2 cups shredded low-fat cheddar cheese

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

2. In a large pan, warm the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and green pepper and sauté until the onion becomes translucent. Add the garlic and cook an additional 2 minutes.

3. Add the beef and cook until brown. Stir in the jalapeño, tomato sauce, and half of the beef broth. Cover and let simmer.

4. In a bowl, gradually mix the flour with the remaining beef broth; add to the beef mixture. Simmer until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat, add the cilantro, and stir well.

5. Fill a casserole dish with the sauce, cheese, and tortillas in alternating layers, beginning with a thin sauce layer and ending with a cheese layer. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes or until heated through.

Yield

Makes 6 servings