Taanug Cabernet Merlot Crianza 2023

Taanug Cabernet Merlot Crianza is a kosher red from D.O. Penedès in Catalonia, made by Bodegues Pinord, a family winery with more than 150 years of history in Vilafranca del Penedès. It pairs Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, the classic Bordeaux duo, in a Mediterranean climate tempered by sea breezes off the nearby coast, where warm days ripen the Cabernet while cooler conditions keep the wine fresh and structured. Cabernet Sauvignon brings the firm tannin, blackcurrant and herbal cedar note, and Merlot rounds it out with softer plum and a fuller mid-palate. The wine is a crianza, aged twelve months in oak barrels, where the slow oxygen exchange through the wood softens the tannin and adds spice, vanilla and a light toast while the fruit holds the centre. It is deeply coloured and medium to full bodied, with ripe plum and black cherry, sweet spice, vanilla, tobacco and a savoury, herbal edge, finishing firm and long. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant young bottles for half an hour. It suits grilled beef, roast lamb and hard, mature cheese.