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. Â A fruit forward wine with flavors of red and black cherry, blackberry, and currant. Â 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. Â 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. Â 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. Â I paired with wine with a simple dinner of meatballs in a gravy over rice (a nice hearty Fall/Winter go-to of mine). Â 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. Â 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 . Â 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..
