Varietal: Claret (60% Merlot; 35% Cabernet Franc; 5% Petit Verdot)
Region: Virginia – USA
Cost: $17
A Bordeaux style wine with aromas of dark fruit and spice. A fruit forward wine with flavors of red and black cherry, blackberry, and currant. Pairs well with hamburgers, pasta, pizza, medium-sharp cheeses.
Recommendations: This was one of my favorite wines when my wife and I visited Virginia wine country back in March, and I’m almost ashamed that it’s taken me this long to getting around to opening and reviewing this bottle. I’ve enjoyed Veritas Vineyards for some time now, in no small part because my wife’s brother got married there and so I spent the better part of a weekend drinking their wine.
As for the 2008 Claret, it’s a great blend. The Merlot and Cabernet Franc give the wine body and flavor, while the Petit Verdot smooths out the finish making it perfect for drinking with a wide range of foods or just by itself. I paired with wine with a simple dinner of meatballs in a gravy over rice (a nice hearty Fall/Winter go-to of mine). A peppery aroma from the Cabernet Franc and flavors of cherry were most noticeable to me, with the Petit Verdot smoothing out the finish for me in a way that I found quite enjoyable.
This is a great wine for pairing with whatever quick meal you’re making at home after a long day at work, and I would love to try this with some jazzed up hamburgers – maybe something topped or stuffed with a blue cheese or some other non-cheddar cheese and some bacon. While the cost may prohibit it from being labeled a true “table wine”, it’s certainly not expensive, and definitely worth picking up a bottle or two of for those nights when you want something that will go with anything.
I know you can find some Veritas wines in Virginia ABC stores, but if you can’t find it near you, they do sell their wines on their website at VeritasWines.com . If you’re in the area I definitely recommend checking them out as they have a beautiful tasting room and grounds to enjoy a picnic lunch..
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