Should You Try Ménage à Trois Wine?

California, if it were its own country, would be the world’s fourth-largest wine producer, trailing just behind renowned wine producers like Italy, France, and Spain. Yet somehow, California wines still get overshadowed by their counterparts hailing from the European and Southern hemisphere. But that’s where Ménage à Trois steps in. This California-born brand proves that not only does the Golden State know how to make wine, but it can also do it with cheeky flair and fun that’s impossible to ignore.

Ménage à Trois wine made its debut in 1996, originally crafted by Folie à Deux Winery in Napa Valley. Its name, "Ménage à Trois", was chosen to highlight the wine’s original blend of three different grape varietals—Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Playful and cheeky as the name is, it’s simply a nod to the harmonious mix of these three grapes, creating a wine that was greater than the sum of its parts. But ultimately, it does help to make the wine more memorable.

The brand quickly gained popularity, not just because of its clever name, but also due to the wine’s bold flavors. In 2004, Trinchero Family Estates, a prominent name in the wine industry, acquired Ménage à Trois. They expanded the brand’s offerings while keeping the fun, unpretentious spirit that made it so beloved. And today, Ménage à Trois is recognized for its wide range of wines, all of which carry the brand’s signature style—vibrant, fruit-forward, and easy to enjoy.

Ménage à Trois offers an extensive range of wines that cater to different tastes and occasions. From the bold and robust reds that made the brand famous to crisp whites, refreshing rosés, and celebratory sparklers, there’s a Ménage à Trois wine for every mood.

Ménage à Trois is best known for its red wines, which are bold, flavorful, and always ready to make a statement. The Ménage à Trois red wine selection includes:

• Ménage à Trois Red Blend: The original wine that started it all, this blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon offers a rich and jammy flavor with notes of blackberry and vanilla. The red wines are where Ménage à Trois truly shines. Expect flavors that are rich and layered, with notes of ripe berries, dark cherries, and hints of vanilla or spice.
• Ménage à Trois Silk Wine: This is a smooth, elegant red with a blend of Pinot Noir, Malbec, and Petite Sirah. It’s named "Silk" for a reason—its texture is soft and velvety, perfect for those who prefer a more delicate red.
• Ménage à Trois Midnight Wine: If you’re looking for something deeper and more intense, Midnight delivers with its blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Petit Verdot. Expect dark fruit flavors with a hint of mocha and spice.
• Ménage à Trois Red Table Wine: Another popular choice, this blend is crafted for easy drinking with a balanced mix of dark fruit flavors and a smooth finish.

For those who prefer their wine on the lighter side, Ménage à Trois white wine offers a refreshing alternative. The whites from Ménage à Trois are bright, refreshing, and bursting with fruit flavors. Ménage à Trois white wine often features notes of tropical fruits like pineapple and mango, balanced by crisp apple and citrus:

• Ménage à Trois Chardonnay: A classic, creamy Chardonnay with flavors of apple, pear, and a touch of vanilla, this wine is perfect for pairing with poultry, seafood, or just sipping on its own.
• Ménage à Trois Moscato Wine: This sweet, aromatic wine is bursting with flavors of ripe peach and apricot, with just a hint of citrus to keep it balanced. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy a sweeter style of wine.
• Ménage à Trois Pinot Grigio: Light and crisp, this wine offers notes of green apple and citrus, making it a perfect match for salads, light pastas, or a summer afternoon.

For something lighter, the rosé offerings from Ménage à Trois are all about fresh, fruity flavors. Think juicy strawberries, watermelon, and a hint of citrus zest. The rosés are crafted to be versatile, pairing well with a variety of foods or enjoyed on their own as a refreshing sip on a warm day:

• Ménage à Trois Rosé: A vibrant and fruity rosé with flavors of strawberry, watermelon, and a hint of citrus, this wine is both refreshing and versatile, perfect for everything from brunch to a summer picnic.
• Ménage à Trois Rosé of Pinot Noir: This rosé is a bit more structured, with the Pinot Noir grape giving it a slightly richer flavor profile while still maintaining the bright, fresh characteristics you expect from a rosé.

For celebrations or just adding a bit of sparkle to your day, Ménage à Trois has you covered with their sparkling selections:

• Ménage à Trois Prosecco: This sparkling wine is light and effervescent, with flavors of green apple, pear, and a hint of citrus. It’s a fantastic choice for toasting or mixing into mimosas.
• Ménage à Trois Sparkling Rosé: This bubbly rosé offers all the bright berry flavors of a traditional rosé, with the added fun of fine, lively bubbles. It’s perfect for celebrations or as an aperitif.

If you’re wondering where to start with Ménage à Trois wines, these top picks are sure to impress. Each one brings something unique to the table, showcasing the brand’s commitment to quality and flavor.

Ménage à Trois Merlot is a standout for its smooth, velvety texture and rich, luscious flavors. This wine is all about balance, with ripe plum and dark cherry flavors complemented by a hint of mocha and a touch of vanilla from oak aging. It’s a versatile red that pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes, from grilled meats to pasta or even a simple cheese board. If you’re a fan of Merlot, this bottle is a must-try.

For those who prefer their wine with a bit more intensity, Ménage à Trois Midnight Dark Red is the perfect pick. This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Petit Verdot delivers deep, dark fruit flavors like blackberry and black cherry, wrapped in layers of mocha, spice, and a touch of caramel. The texture is rich and full-bodied, making it a great choice for a special dinner or a cozy night in.

On the lighter side, Ménage à Trois Pinot Grigio Limelight shines with its crisp, refreshing character. This wine is all about bright citrus and green apple flavors, with a clean, zesty finish that makes it incredibly easy to drink.

Pairing the right wine with your meal can elevate the flavors of both the food and the wine. Here are some excellent pairings using Ménage à Trois wines:

1.  Grilled Meats

• Recommended Wine: Ménage à Trois Merlot
• Pairing Notes: The rich dark cherry and plum notes complement the smoky, savory flavors of grilled meats.

2.  Grilled Meats

• Recommended Wine: Ménage à Trois Midnight Dark Red
• Pairing Notes: Full-bodied with flavors of blackberry and mocha, this wine is perfect for charred, juicy cuts of meat.

3. Rich, Savory Dishes

• Recommended Wine: Ménage à Trois Merlot
• Pairing Notes: Its smooth texture balances the richness of savory sauces in dishes like mushroom risotto and beef stew.

4. Rich, Savory Dishes

• Recommended Wine: Ménage à Trois Midnight Dark Red
• Pairing Notes: Intense and spicy, this wine is ideal for heartier, more robust dishes that pack a flavorful punch.

5. Seafood

• Recommended Wine: Ménage à Trois Pinot Grigio Limelight
• Pairing Notes: Crisp citrus and green apple flavors enhance the freshness of seafood dishes, bringing out their natural flavors.

6. Salads and Light Pasta

• Recommended Wine: Ménage à Trois Pinot Grigio Limelight
• Pairing Notes: A zesty finish makes this wine a great match for salads and light pasta dishes, especially those with citrus or vinaigrette dressings.

7. Cheese and Charcuterie

• Recommended Wine: Ménage à Trois Merlot
• Pairing Notes: This versatile wine pairs beautifully with a variety of cheeses, particularly aged cheddar and soft brie.

8. Cheese and Charcuterie

• Recommended Wine: Ménage à Trois Midnight Dark Red
• Pairing Notes: Bold and flavorful, this wine complements blue cheese, smoked meats, and even dark chocolate on your charcuterie board.

9. Desserts

• Recommended Wine: Ménage à Trois Midnight Dark Red
• Pairing Notes: Its rich, dark fruit flavors enhance chocolate-based desserts like mousse or flourless cake for a decadent pairing.

10. Desserts

• Recommended Wine: Ménage à Trois Pinot Grigio Limelight
• Pairing Notes: The refreshing balance of this wine works well with lighter desserts like fruit tarts, creating a bright and delightful finish.

If you’re looking to explore Ménage à Trois wines, Big Bear Wine & Liquor in Pueblo, CO, is the place to go. From the rich Ménage à Trois Midnight Dark Red to the crisp Ménage à Trois Pinot Grigio Limelight, Big Bear offers a wide selection of these popular wines for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night at home, you’ll find the perfect bottle to match your taste. Stop by Big Bear - South at 2037 S Pueblo Blvd, Pueblo, CO 81005, or Big Bear – Pueblo West at 940 Hailey Lane, Pueblo West, CO 81007, where our knowledgeable staff can help you choose the right Ménage à Trois wine. For questions or more information, call (719) 547-1786, visit www.bigbearwine.com, or email brian@bigbearwine.com.