Dean's List Merlot 2020, Niagara College Teaching Winery

Rich red colour, dark fruit, with graphite on the nose, with lifted floral notes. Smooth rich raspberry and plum on palate with fresh acidity and pronounced ripe tannin. Clear red fruit finish.
Pairing Suggestions: Grilled Italian sausage, beef burger, or mushroom galette
Sweetness Level: Dry

Tasting Notes by Tony Aspler

Geographical Indication: VQA Niagara Peninsula
Vineyard: Niagara Custom Crush Studio
Varietal: 100% Merlot
Alcohol: 14.6%
Residual Sugar: 0 g/L

Wine Description

Appearance: Deep purple.
Nose: Blackberry, pencil lead, and oak spice.
Palate: Full-bodied and dry — densely flavoured with plum, blackcurrant, and firm but ripe tannins. Long finish and notable structure.
Serving Temperature: 16–18 °C in a Bordeaux glass.
Drinking Window: Hold until 2026; best through 2032.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Appetizer: Beef tartare with truffle aioli – rich textures and umami play well with the wine’s depth.
Cheese: Aged Gouda or Beemster XO – deeply savoury cheeses to match the wine’s power and complexity.
Main: Slow-cooked beef stew with root vegetables – comfort food that stands up to Merlot’s richness and structure.
Main (Vegetarian): Lentil and mushroom bourguignon – earthy and hearty enough for a full-bodied red.
Dessert: Bittersweet chocolate torte with cassis glaze – dark and intense to mirror the wine’s depth without clashing with its dryness.