November 7 is National Merlot Day. Cheers!

Origin

National Merlot Day is celebrated annually on November 7th. It is a day to celebrate one of the most popular red wines in the world. The holiday was created in 2011 by the Merlot Alliance, a group of winemakers and producers from around the globe. The Merlot Alliance was formed to promote and educate consumers about Merlot wine.

Origin of the Merlot grape

The Merlot grape is thought to have originated in the Bordeaux region of France. The grape was first mentioned in written records in the 18th century. Merlot is one of the six noble grapes of Bordeaux, along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Merlot is a versatile grape that can be used to produce a variety of wine styles, from light and fruity to full-bodied and complex. Merlot wines are typically known for their smooth tannins and flavors of dark fruit, such as blackberries, plums, and cherries. Merlot can also be used to produce blends, such as Bordeaux wines.

Top 3 highest rated Merlot wines in the world

Here are the top 3 highest rated Merlot wines in the world, according to Wine Spectator:

1. Petrus (Pomerol, Bordeaux, France). Petrus Merlot wine
2. Château Le Pin (Pomerol, Bordeaux, France). Château Le Pin Merlot wine
3. Château Lafleur (Pomerol, Bordeaux, France). Château Lafleur Merlot wine

These wines are all highly sought-after and can be very expensive. However, there are many other excellent Merlot wines available at more affordable price points.

More Highly Rated (…More Affordable) Merlot Wines

While the top 3 highest rated Merlot wines in the world are all very expensive, there are many other highly rated Merlot wines available at more affordable price points. Here are a few suggestions:

• Château Ste. Michelle Merlot Columbia Valley: This wine is consistently rated in the high 80s to low 90s by wine critics. It is known for its smooth tannins and flavors of blackberries, plums, and cherries.
• Duckhorn Vineyards Three Palms Merlot Napa Valley: This wine is another highly rated Merlot from Napa Valley. It is known for its rich flavors of black fruit and its long, lingering finish.
• Columbia Crest H3 Merlot: This wine is a great value for the price. It is consistently rated in the high 80s by wine critics and is known for its soft tannins and flavors of red and black fruit.
• StoneCap Estate Grown Merlot Columbia Valley: This wine is another excellent value wine. It is known for its juicy fruit flavors and its smooth finish.
• Wente Vineyards Sandstone Merlot Central Coast: This wine is a great choice for those looking for a more affordable Merlot from California. It is known for its ripe fruit flavors and its earthy notes.

These are just a few examples of highly rated, more affordable Merlot wines. There are many other great options available, so be sure to explore and find a Merlot wine that you enjoy.

A tip for finding affordable Merlot wines:

Look for wines from lesser-known regions. Merlot is grown in many different regions around the world, including Chile, Argentina, and South Africa. Wines from these regions are often more affordable than wines from more famous regions, such as Bordeaux and Napa Valley.