Francis Coppola Director's Merlot

Director€™s Merlot is made primarily from Clones 3 and 9, selections that become intensely fruity as they ripen on the vine. Clone 3 grapes contribute traditional plum flavors and lushness while Clone 9 is dense, deeply colored, and more tannic. When we blend these Merlot selections together, we create a perfectly balanced wine, expressive on the palate and long on the finish. Our 2012 Director€™s Merlot offers excellent body and a bold palate of blackberries, cherries, and currants layered with earthy spices, toasted wood, and a hint of vanilla. Well-toned tannins enhance the wine€™s fine structure and a long finish adds to its allure.

Merlot is a perfect match for beef and other medium-heavy dishes. It pairs wonderfully with rich, red pasta sauces, pork, turkey, beef, veal, pheasant, and garden salads. Merlot is also an excellent compliment to chocolate.