TASTING NOTES: Its colour is a deep, profound ruby. This crisp-fruited wine evokes strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. Age brings in notes of underbrush, spicy tobacco notes and cocoa beans. In the mouth this wine is rich, full-bodied, and chewy. In its youth, the tannins of this wine lend it a mineral firmness. When aged, it is attractively rounded and meaty.

SERVING TEMPERATURE: 14 to 15°C (15 to 16°C for older wines).

FOOD ACCOMPANIMENT: Rich, meaty and solidly put together, Mercurey, secure in its position among the royalty of wines, brings out the best from beef rib steaks, or joints of beef or lamb, braised or in sauce. Roast pork is well suited to its rich aromas, as are poultry-based stews. Exotic dishes likewise prove worthy partners for this wine. As for the cheeseboard, this wine harmonizes equally well with either mild, soft cheeses or aged versions.