Grape Of The Week: Merlot

It’s not often that a grape is made, broken, and then remade by pop culture, but that’s the case with Merlot. After a ‘60 Minutes’ episode where a doctor essentially stated a glass of red wine a day keeps the doctor away, people fell in love with Merlot. A soft, easy, mild red wine, Merlot appealed to the wine drinkers for the qualities that were thought to be its weakness. It all went ‘Sideways’ when the 2004 movie came out with its iconic line, “If anyone orders Merlot, I’m leaving. I am not drinking any f***ing Merlot.” Steadily, Merlot has made a comeback and is one of the most well known grapes.

Merlot Wines

A grape that thrives in a cooler climate, Merlot is grown all across the world. Typically found in Bordeaux blends, Merlot also shines on its own. With boisterous notes of black cherry, plum, bay leaf, and vanilla, Merlot can finish with hints of chocolate. A food-friendly wine, Merlot can be paired with your favorite dishes: pizza, barbecue chicken, short rib, ratatouille, or filet mignon.

Enjoy the various wines of Merlot below: