Charles Smith The Velvet Devil Merlot

True to its name, The Velvet Devil by Charles Smith is sultry and seductive. Made with 89% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Malbec grape varietals, The Velvet Devil has a medium body, and a sinfully delicious quality. It has an ABV of 13.5%, and has bright, fresh aromas with notes of herb and red currant. It’s vivid and smooth on the palate, with a concentrated richness, and deep notes of black fruit, tobacco, and cassis.

This bold, bright red wine is great to pair with grilled steaks, burgers, meat-based pastas, bacon. It works basically with most hefty meat.

Despite growing up an hour away from the famous Napa Valley in California, Charles Smith’s love and passion for wine was sparked in Europe, while he worked as manager for a number of rock bands.

He met a winemaker in 1999, in Washington, who convinced him to make his own wines. Thus, Charles Smith Wines was born. He released his first vintage in 2001. And he was named Winemaker of the Year three times—in 2009 by Food & Wine, in 2010 by Seattle Magazine, and in 2014 by Wine Enthusiast.

Store unopened red wines in a cool, dry, and dark place safe from constant vibration. Keep your bottle horizontal in a wine rack or cellar to retain the moistness of the cork. The ideal temperature for storage is between 16 to 18°C. Once opened, a bottle will be good for 3 to 5 days standing upright in the refrigerator.