Enjoy Vertu 0.0% Dealcoholized Merlot

Enjoy Vertu's 0.0% Merlot is a dealcoholized red wine made from Merlot grapes and labeled at 0.0% alcohol by volume. The producer doesn't list vintage, region or tasting notes, so what follows describes what Merlot-based non-alcoholic reds typically deliver. Treat it as expectation, not a measured profile. Merlot is the softest of the major red varieties, and that usually carries over once the alcohol is removed. Expect ripe red and dark plum fruit, possibly cherry and a touch of blackberry, with a rounded, easy texture. Removing alcohol takes away some of the weight and warmth a regular Merlot has, so the body tends to be light to medium. Tannins are generally gentle, and acidity is often what keeps the wine tasting fresh. Oak influence is typically modest in this category, and the finish is usually short to medium and fruit-led. For serving, a slight chill suits dealcoholized reds better than room temperature. Aim for roughly 14 to 16°C (57 to 61°F), which is about 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Without alcohol, a warm pour can taste flat or jammy. No decanting is needed. If you want to open the aroma, pour into the glass and give it a few minutes. A standard red wine glass with a moderate bowl works well, and a white wine glass is also fine, since the lighter body doesn't need much room to breathe. At the table, Merlot's soft fruit goes well with roast chicken, pork tenderloin, mushroom dishes, tomato-based pasta, and burgers or meatloaf. It also works with medium-aged cheeses such as gouda or mild cheddar. Very spicy food and rich, heavily charred steaks tend to overpower a lighter-bodied wine like this. This is a drink-now bottle. Dealcoholized wines are made for freshness and don't improve with cellaring, so store it cool and dark, and refrigerate it after opening. Finish it within a few days.