Poor Merlot, it’s like the middle child. It’s overlooked and unappreciated but it’s a really important part of the wine grape family. It’s a big part of Bordeaux blends and responsible for some really interesting single varietal wines. The move Sideways really cramps Merlot style but she’s a fighter and today it’s the second most planted grape in the world. So take that Paul Giamatti!
So this week’s episode is all about celebrating Merlot and we discuss:
- History of Merlot and where the name came from
- Merlot is a sensitive grape but it’ll grown wherever
- Warm climate Merlot vs cool climate Merlot
- Flavor characteristics
- Food pairings
Wine Recommendation:
Château Féret-Lambert Bordeaux Supérieur 2012 – priced between $20-25. This is a really affordable Bordeaux from the Bordeaux Superieur AOC. This wine is dry with medium plus acidity and light to medium soft tannins. It’s medium bodied with notes of violets, dusty earth, blueberries, oak, and cocoa, and a slightly herbal finish. Since this wine has high acidity, we recommendation pair with food.
Kenwood Jack London Vineyard Merlot – priced around $20. This wine comes from Sonoma Valley in Glen Ellen, California. A very peppery nose with flavors of spice, blackberries, blueberries, coco and a hint of vanilla. It has medium acid and tannins with a smooth finish. A well balance wine!
Now that you gotten the Merlot down, what’s your favorite Merlot wine? Leave us a comment in below or via social media.