“I AINT DRINKING F***ING MERLOT” … but let me tell you why you should…
If you are looking for a versatile and delicious red wine, you might want to consider Merlot from Washington State. Known commonly from its mention in the movie “Sideways”, Merlot took a huge dip in sales after the popularized quote was spoken and immediately made Merlot undesirable overnight. Regardless, Merlot is one of the founding grapes in so many delicious red blends that we love and deserves respect as a stand-alone varietal. Washington is one of the best regions in the world for this grape, producing wines that combine ripe fruit, velvety texture, and balanced acidity. In this post, I will explore what makes Washington Merlot so special and how to enjoy it.
Merlot is a classic Bordeaux variety that can adapt to different climates and soils. It has a thin skin and medium-sized berries, which give it a lower tannin level than Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is often blended with other grapes to add softness and complexity, but it can also shine on its own as a single-varietal wine. Washington State has been growing Merlot since the 1980s, and it is now the second most planted red grape in the state after Cabernet Sauvignon. Washington Merlot benefits from the unique climate and geography of eastern Washington, where most of the vineyards are located. The region has a continental climate with hot and dry summers, cold winters, and large diurnal temperature swings. This allows the grapes to ripen fully while retaining their natural acidity and freshness.
The soils in Washington are also diverse and well-drained, ranging from sandy loam to volcanic ash to ancient riverbeds. These soils impart distinct characteristics to the wines, such as minerality, spice, or earthiness. WA Merlot can express a range of flavors depending on the terroir and the winemaking style, but some common notes are plum, blackberry, cherry, chocolate, vanilla, cedar, and tobacco. WA Merlot is an exceptional wine to pair with food, as it can match a variety of dishes. Some classic pairings are roasted lamb, beef stew, mushroom risotto, grilled salmon, or cheese platter. You can also enjoy it on its own or with some dark chocolate for a decadent treat.
WA grown Merlot is widely available and affordable, with many quality bottles under $20. Some of the top producers of Washington Merlot are Leonetti Cellar, Northstar Winery, DeLille Cellars, L'Ecole No 41, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Winery, and Seven Hills and you can easily find these wines online or at your local wine shop. If you are a fan of Merlot or want to discover a fresh style of this grape, you should try Merlot grown in WA. It will surprise you with its richness and elegance, and make you fall in love with Merlot all over again.