Drop of the Day - 2019 Mission Reserve Merlot
Velvety smooth with rich black fruit and a sweet spice finish - the 2019 Mission Reserve Merlot is best enjoyed on those long wintry nights with a hearty meal or an indulgent piece of dark chocolate.
Reaching New Zealand shores in 1838, pioneering French missionaries founded a legacy. From their many accomplishments now interwoven throughout history came New Zealand’s first winery, Mission in 1851. The influence from generations of French-trained vintners remains in their small batch, barrel-aged wines. Their inspiration, a legacy Mission Estate continues to this day.
That legacy is no more evident than in this Merlot, which was selected from some of Hawke’s Bay’s finest vineyards and matured in French oak barrels for 12 months before release. The wine is rich and fruit driven, with a velvety texture and a sweet spice finish.
All Mission Reserve award-winning wines are expressive of their vineyards and barrel-aged for textural and flavoursome wines. All of which find their way into this beautiful Merlot. For our money, it is the perfect accompaniment to a hearty meal on a cold evening – think red meat, cheese or lasagne. Our Slow-Cooked Italian Beef Cheek Ragu with Pappardelle pairs beautifully with its sweet spice finish.
Of course, if you’re in the mood for something a little more decadent, might we suggest some dark forest fruit berries or even a block of dark chocolate (≥ 70% cacao).
Pick up a bottle from your local supermarket or bottle shop or order online now at missionestate.co.nz
latest issue:
126
We start by sharing what’s on the dish team’s radar, what we’re watching, listening to and reading. Harry Butterfield puts a twist on his Nonna’s agnolotti, Malissa Fedele reminds us of the importance of fibre, and Phoebe Holden fulfils a long-held dream, sitting down with Yotam Ottolenghi. Autumn is an abundant time, we make the most with pumpkin, kūmara, cabbage, cauliflower, feijoas, apples and pears. We’re dishing up dinners for two, including a Chicken Dumpling Lasagne, alongside easy weeknight meals. We honour our mums, revisit timeless classics, and add a little baking challenge. This issue, we encourage you to slow down, to enjoy writing your shopping list, and spending time in the kitchen. Because even when life feels relentless, there’s always space to share something delicious.