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FOOD: Potato Crusted Filet Mignon with Arugula & Pomegranate Sauce

Brilliant ruby in color, with intense cherry and red-fruit aromas, this Napa merlot is a classic "steak wine." Bright fruit flavors, including black cherries and raspberries pair well with the not-too-sweet pomegranate sauce, while the wine's "sweet oak" keeps the slight peppery flavors of the arugula in check. This wine has 5 years of age, so the tannins are somewhat softened, which is important when pairing with a lean cut like filet mignon.

Despite what the lead character in the pinot noir-worshipping movie Sideways led us to believe, merlot can be a serious wine. All one has to do is look to the right bank of Bordeaux. Some of the world's most exalted wines, such as Château Pétrus(Pomerol) are made almost entirely of merlot. In addition to being a great steak wine, many merlots are fairly light in weight with nice acidity, bringing in an array of food pairings, ranging from lamb to seafood.