Regardless of incomes a slightly adverse popularity within the Paul Giamatti movie Sideways, merlot stays one of the crucial standard purple wines in the US. Created from a grape of the identical title, merlot is taken into account an approachable and easy-to-drink wine, famous for its wealthy and darkish fruit-forward style. Merlot’s adaptability permits it to thrive in quite a lot of climates. Whereas the grape originated in France’s Bordeaux area, it may be discovered all alongside the West Coast of the US, from California’s Santa Barbara to Washington’s Columbia Valley. Merlot can be a food-friendly varietal, making it a handy choice to serve at dinner events and different epicurean experiences.
Since merlot is understood to adapt and tackle the traits of its rising circumstances, the feel can vary from medium- to full-bodied, whereas its acidity, tannin ranges and alcohol share additionally fluctuate. Consistency, nonetheless, may be present in its plummy blackberry flavors. Like several varietal, not all merlots are made equal, and discovering a vineyard that has mastered the artwork of merlot makes all the distinction in your tasting expertise. From a French-inspired courtyard in Santa Ynez Valley to 2 of Napa’s most well-known producers, these are the perfect West Coast wineries for merlot.
