Who doesn't want to drink a wine made from a versatile grape that produces many of the worlds most coveted Reds (Petrus, Château Cheval Blanc)? Merlot can be bodacious yet elegant, with smooth tannins, a round mouthfeel, and sensuous notes of spice with ripe fruits. It is the star of Bordeaux wines from the Right Bank (Saint Emillion and Pomerol), and can also be found scattered throughout France, Italy, Spain, America, Australia, Chile, Argentina, and beyond.

Now that the film is only 3 years younger than the legal drinking age, it's worth mentioning that the only reason you rarely see Merlot on wine lists is because of the 2004 Oscar Award winning film 'Sideways'. The movie takes place in California's Santa Ynez Valley, wherein Paul Giamatti's character says, "if anyone orders Merlot, I’m leaving. I am NOT drinking any f***ing Merlot!" The results of this critically acclaimed film? Merlot production in California dropped from 20% to 13% within the first few subsequent years. By 2020, Merlot would make up just 9.2% of American wine production. Sideways was written by Rex Pickett, who is in no way a sommelier. Rather, he was an author going through a tough divorce who fell in love with Pinot Noir. Why should his wine opinions change the worlds?

Join us in our cellar for an unforgettable wine tasting with Cat Fairchild of the iconic, cool climate, Sonoma winery Failla.

While not being documented until the 18th century, it's believed to have origins dating back to 14th century France, when it was commonly known as 'Crabatut Noir'. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are genetic siblings, both children of Cabernet Franc. While quite different, they both posses pyrazines — a savory 'green' component that can present as herbaceous or vegetal. One of our favorite Bordeaux's is the 2016 Chateau St. Georges St Emillion for its generously rich and full-bodied profile. It's drinking beautifully now with highly flavored dishes and red meats, but you could cellar this gem for quite some time! Or, if you want something fun, try the Château Les Croisille 'CocoriCot', a crunchy chillable red made of Malbec (aka 'Cot') and Merlot. It's a sulfite-free, carbonic 'glou glou' perfect as an alternative to Beaujolais!

There is a long history of Merlot in Italy, dating back to the late 19th Century. The grape was first cultivated in the Northern regions (Veneto and Alto Adige), but has spread throughout the country. Perhaps most notably, Merlot contributes to "Super Tuscan" blends (typically Sangiovese blended with Bordeaux varietals). One of our favorite Super Tuscan's is the 2020 Ca' Marcanda 'Promis' which is a blend of Merlot, Syrah and Sangiovese. This blend is fruit-driven and herbal, with a savory hint of olive. Of great value, we love the La Cappuccina 'Madègo', a blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Carmenère from the Veneto region. This is a softer expression with notes of dark berries and well integrated oak. Pair the Cappuccina with roasted or grilled meats this Fall.

We make delicious Merlot. It was quite the rising star of California in the 1990's, only to be bizarrely halted by a movie in 2004. Producers brave enough to soldier forward are creating delicious wines. We adore the 2018 Y. Rousseau 'Pépé' Merlot from Napa Valley. This wine is aged in French oak for 18 months and shows notes of dark-chocolate, espresso, black olive, pencil shavings, and sandalwood. A fun wine coming out of the Lodi is Iconic Wines 'Sidekick' Merlot. This is a perfect balance of red plum fruit, earthiness, and structure. It makes a great dinner companion with beef or lamb.

Today, Merlot is an international heavy hitter. You will find the grape varietal in blends throughout South America, Australia, Spain, and most wine producing countries. Why? Because it is delicious, and because Rex Pickett can't stop a good thing! Explore this grape abroad from Chile with the Laberintino Cenizas Mezcla Tinta, if you like full-bodied red wines with notes of lavish ripe black cherries, eucalyptus, and hints of oak. Try the Australian D'Arenberg 'Stump Jump' Red if you want a spicy, ripe-fruited expression. Or try the Spanish Priorat, Embruix de Vall Llach if you enjoy structured wines with notes of violets, cocoa, and black licorice.

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