While there is a case to be made for every day to be #MerlotDay, Monday November 7 is officially designated as such. Happy #InternationalMerlotDay!
Celebrated annually on November 7, International Merlot Day gives Merlot lovers the world over an excellent excuse to wax lyrical about one of the world’s most popular wines. If in the process they convert whoever may be listening to this darkly delicious wine, who are we to differ?
There is much to be said about and for Merlot. Consider these few facts for inclusion in any Merlot-heavy homily you may embark upon:
Merlot is one of the most widely planted grapes worldwide. It has more dedicated acres than any other wine grape both here at home in BC and in Bordeaux, France (which is, incidentally, widely regarded as the birthplace of Merlot wine).
As of 2019, according to the BC Wine Grape Acreage Report, there were 1,619 acres (654 hectares) of Merlot planted in BC.
Merlot comes by its name courtesy of the colour of the grape: Merlot is a diminutive of the word ‘merle, which is the French name for the blackbird. Dark bird, dark grape, Merlot.
While Merlot wine is generally described as having dark, rich fruit flavours with a lush texture, you can expect BC Merlots to have more structure and higher tannins than those in other parts of the world. This, in part, thanks to our unique climate and growing conditions. The result being that BC Merlots avoid any of the fleshy, fruity softness sometimes associated with the wine.
In spite of some serious Sideways-related backlash, the movie in which Paul Giamatti’s character Miles has an absolute, and absolutely unfair, loathing for this wine, Merlot is nearly always delicious! As wine writer Laura Jane Folds once put it, Merlot tastes “like a very well-written poem about a glass of juice”, making it a “chill, yummy red to spend an evening hanging out with.” We recommend trying just that this International Merlot Day!
Not sure which Merlot to pour in your glass to celebrate International Merlot Day? Try one of these beautiful Merlots made right here in BC:
1. Blasted Church Merlot 2018 – $34.00 online or in select stores and restaurants in BC. Blasted Church’s offering is an elegant expression of Merlot, guaranteed to deliver a flavour-filled punch of rip plum, dark chocolate, and dark berries, supported by a well-integrated and refreshingly acidic backbone. A blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Malbec, the Merlot contributes ripeness, freshness, and a rich mouthfeel, while the Malbec adds refined acid and tannin structure for beautiful balance. Pair with poetry and a rich tomato-based pasta.
2. Chronos Merlot 2020 – $29.99 online or in select stores and restaurants in BC. This new release, from TIME Family of Wine’s Chronos label, comes with the winemaker’s recommendation that “Cheeses love Merlot, as do cozy nights in.” The wine itself is equally expressive, featuring aromas of plum, blackberry and lavender, followed by smooth, ripe flavours of black currant, dried cherry and cinnamon. The long finish is everything a good red wine should be, and more.
3. Singletree Merlot 2018 – $26.10 online or in select stores and restaurants in BC. With grapes grown in Singletree’s Crooked Vines Vineyard in Naramata, this is a Merlot billed as everything you might expect from a Naramata Bench Merlot. Expect velvety tannins with rich minerality, balanced by flavours of cherry, plum, blackberry, and oaky notes. In other words, pure Merlot magic. For added flair and flavour pair with grilled steak or lamb shared with friends around a cozy fire.