October was declared International Merlot Month in 2012. This year, more than 100 Merlot producers from across the United States and globally joined forces to spread the word of the month-long celebration of Merlot as a distinctive and enduring varietal. The catchphrase for the #MerlotMe.
Fun facts about Merlot:
- Merlot sales are up dramatically from 2.8 million cases sold since 1994. (Nielsen)
- Merlot is one of the top four most purchased red wines in U.S. restaurants. (Winemetrics)
- California Merlot consumption in the U.S. was approximately 19 million cases in 2017. (The Wine
Institute) - Merlot is the third leading California red varietal sold in the U.S. after Cabernet Sauvignon & Red
Blends. (The Wine Institute) - Consumers are buying more luxury Merlot! Luxury Merlot ($20+ SRP) sales are up 10% in the last
year. (IRI 52 week data ending 5/20/18)
How to observe #MerlotMe
- All month long, join the #MerlotMe conversation online by following the holiday’s official social media handles:
Twitter @MerlotMePlease | Instagram @MerlotMe | Facebook @MerlotMeOfficialPage
Merlots We Recommend:
Markham’s 2015 Merlot
This dark ruby wine has warm vanilla and dark chocolate aromas on the nose. On the palate, this Merlot presents with vibrant cherry fruit flavors and ends with chewy tannins and a long, graceful finish. This wine pairs well with everything from bacon cheeseburgers to lamb sliders.
Charles Krug 2014 Merlot
This Napa Valley Merlot has expressive aromas of ripe red and black fruit followed by hints of spice. The supple body and medium tannins envelop flavors of red berry fruit and cherry, which linger on the palate through a long, smooth finish.
Rutherford Hill 2014 Merlot
We love cherry. Cherry on the nose as well as aromas of mocha, warm nutty oak, and fleshy ripe black plums. Smoky finish, and cherry on the palate. Lush cherry fruit flavors are backed by a rich, balanced structure for an intensely complex Merlot that finishes with smooth tannins. Consider pairing this with grilled venison tenderloin, roast chicken, veal Porterhouse
Abeja 2015 Merlot
This Columbia Valley Merlot offers expressive notes of blackberry coulis, star anise, vanilla, and cardamom enveloped with savory rosemary. Huckleberry and sweet tobacco on the palate mixed with layers of lush dark berry fruits finish with smooth tannins.
Chelsea Goldschmidt 2016 Merlot
This Alexander Valley Merlot is a big, rich fruity wine with intense plum and blackberry notes on the nose and with lush plum and black fruit flavors and spice notes, finishing with velvety tannins and spice. Red fruit and spice notes from barrel-aged Merlot, this wine was crafted with Cabernet Sauvignon drinkers in mind. It pairs well with woodfired pizzas, steak tacos, and grilled pork chops.
J. Lohr Estates 2016 Los Osos Merlot
Black cherry and lilac aromas are the first stop before toasted hazelnut, dark chocolate, and baking spice on the palate. This Merlot blended with a Malbec finishes with fruit notes and a rich, lengthy finish. It pairs beautifully with grilled sausages or herb-roasted chicken.
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So many great varieties of Merlot! I’d like to try the Abeja 2015 Merlot.