A French Kosher Merlot
Can we go French and Kosher at this price?...Fortant Merlot
Yes, you can get a French Kosher wine for less than $10. But will it be worthwhile? The Skalli family started in the wine business during the 1920s in Algeria. They relocated first to Corsica then to southern France in 1961, where they were among the first to produce single variety wines instead of blends. Their website lists and explains many aspects of Kosher wines, The Skallis make wine in the Languedoc region of southwestern France as well as in the Rhône Valley, Provence, Corsica, and Napa Valley, California. Towards the end of November, 2011 many but not all of their wine interests were purchased by Boisset Family Estates. Our companion wine is also a Languedoc French Kosher Merlot, one costing about 50% more.
OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Fortant Merlot 2006 13.5 % alcohol about $8.
Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Tasting Note: Mid-deep youthful ruby color; stewed cherry fruit, red currants and light cedar aromas; fruity cherry flavors with a smooth, lightly tannic finish.” And now for my review.
At the first sips this wine’s acidity was very present as were its tannins. I tasted some chocolate. I started with chicken soup containing a Matzoh ball and carrots perked up by Louisiana hot sauce that moderated the libation’s acidity. The meal’s centerpiece was a no cheese ground beef lasagna made with spicy salsa that muted the wine without cutting off its chocolate or acidity. Fresh cherries for dessert stepped up the drink’s acidity, which initially seemed almost sour but subsequently sweetened.
This review continues on my web site at A French Kosher Merlot:
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