As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting and analyzing a wide variety of wines, including the Turning Leaf Merlot. When it comes to determining whether a wine is sweet or dry, there are a few key factors to consider.
Firstly, the sweetness of a wine can be influenced by the residual sugar content. Wines with higher residual sugar levels tend to taste sweeter, while those with lower levels taste drier. In the case of Turning Leaf Merlot, it falls on the drier side of the spectrum.
Upon swirling the wine in my glass and taking a deep inhale, I immediately detected the aromatic notes of boysenberry jam and juicy blackcurrant. These fruity aromas hinted at a touch of sweetness, but upon further exploration, I discovered a more complex and dry character.
As I took my first sip, the initial burst of flavor showcased the ripe boysenberry and blackcurrant fruits. However, these fruity notes were well-balanced by hints of chocolate, which added depth and complexity to the wine. The presence of these chocolate notes further confirmed the drier nature of the Turning Leaf Merlot.
In addition to the chocolate, I also detected elegant notes of leather and spice, which contributed to the wine's overall complexity. These layers of flavors were seamlessly integrated, giving the wine a sophisticated and refined character.
The finish of the Turning Leaf Merlot was particularly noteworthy. It lingered on my palate, with the flavors gradually fading away. This prolonged finish is often a characteristic of drier wines, as opposed to sweeter ones that tend to have a shorter, more abrupt finish.
In my personal experience, I have found that the Turning Leaf Merlot pairs exceptionally well with savory dishes, such as roasted meats or hearty stews. The dryness of the wine complements the richness of these dishes, creating a harmonious and enjoyable dining experience.
To summarize, the Turning Leaf Merlot is a dry wine with a complex flavor profile. While it does exhibit some fruity aromas, the presence of chocolate, leather, and spice, as well as its lingering finish, confirm its overall dryness.