Mermelada – Sassy, Sweet Red Blend from Spain (Review)

 

Mermelada is a sassy, sweet red blend from Spain that plays with your palate and tickles your taste buds. Made from grapes harvested at the peak of sweetness, prolonged contact with the grape skins lends a full-bodied, marmalade character to the wine. Mermelada is approachable with a signature sassy finish – pleasant and fruity, but with a lovely grip and sweet-balanced acidity on the finish that leaves you wanting more.

Grapes -- A blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
 
Winery -- Mermelada is estate-bottled at the Raimat Winery in D.O. Costers del Segre, Spain. Owned by the Codorníu Group, Raimat led the transformation of the region into a modern and quality-focused appellation. A champion of innovation, sustainability and precision agriculture in its wines, the Raimat symbol is the union of the vine (Raïm, in Catalan) and the hand (má).
 
Region --  Costers del Segre is one of the youngest and most progressive wine regions in Spain, with a continental climate, noted for very low annual rainfall and maximum sunshine. The significant contrast between day and night temperatures creates full ripening, concentrated flavors and fine aromatics in the wines.
 
Tasting Notes:

Color: Deep red, black cherry, bright plum
Aroma: Asian spice, ripe berries, cedar
Taste: Soft sweet plum, raspberry, pomegranate with a supple roundness
Food Pairing -- Delicious with strong cheeses, like classic Blue, as well as hamburgers, pizza, and Thai food. For extra sassiness, pair with dark chocolate.


My Thoughts:

What Mommy doesn't like a glass of wine to unwind after a crazy day with the kids?  For me, I have a 8 month old and 2 yr. old, so by the end of the day, I am not only spent by picking up after and tending to them all day, but then I have to prep the house and get things ready for the next day.  Who knew that the laundry room would become the second most visited room in the house for me.  That is, next to the bathroom, which as a Mom, you know is a revolving door for kids to come in for conversation.  Gone are the days that you could head to the bathroom for a moment of sanity :-). 

But, when the laundry is finally done for the night, the dishes washed and put away, toys picked up and all other to-do items are checked off, I like to pour myself a glass of wine (preferably red) and watch some television (reality shows are my guilty pleasure right now), or sit and read a book or magazine. Even though this "me time" only lasts as long as the vino is in the glass :-), it is so refreshing (even on these hot nights to sip a sweet and fruity drink.  So, when I was given the opportunity to sample Mermelada, how could I say "No"?  

I am not going to get all technical in describing the wine, as I know that by the end of the day when you are pouring yourself a nightcap, the last thing you are thinking about is the proper way to sample wine.  You want that little pick me up and zing to your palate, as you finally put your feet up and relax from a busy day of being Mom.  I have to admit, usually I only have one glass of wine at night, but after sampling Mermelada for the first time, I poured a second glass and got a small place of sharp cheddar cheese to nibble on.  For a moment, I thought I was at a fancy winery or restaurant being served one of their favorite wines.  You really could taste the flavors of plum, raspberry, pomegranate with each sip.  And, they were not overpowering one another, making you want to keep sipping.  This is how I found myself on a second glass :-)

In addition to my evening "Mommy Time," I also offered Mermelada at a recent girls night in I held at my house.  As we watched a movie and snacked on pizza and snacks, we each enjoyed a glass (or two) of this red blend.  For those that are usually not fans of red blends, they couldn't believe how tasty this wine was.  It made everyone's taste buds come to life -- even if we were having pizza.  I am so glad I was able to try this wine, and will definitely be picking up a few more bottles to enjoy myself, as well as offer at upcoming end of summer and other holiday dinners.

--BUY NOW--

Mermelada, which is available for purchase through online retailers, as well as at local wine and spirit shops, has a suggested retail price of $11.99.

Disclosure:  I was sent a sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.