Ironstone Meritage Reserve 2013

Process: Our winemaker hand-selected grapes throughout our vineyards only using what he considers to be the best of each variety. Manually harvested at its peak, each individual batch was fermented, received prolonged maceration, and was independently aged for 20 months in small French and American oak barrels in our underground caves. Manually aerated by local miners, many whose families came by the gold in the 1800's, these caves continue to remain at natural temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. which slowly decreases the alcohol content of the wine while preserving its flavor concentration. After aging in the barrel, the varieties were mixed shortly before bottling, and received an additional aging in the bottle before launch.

Combinations: The interior of France, where meals are prepared with minimal fanfare, is the inspiration for the combination with Meritage. Simple foods such as coq au vin, roasted lamb leg and roast beef breast are excellent choices.