Merlot Growing at Laurel Gray Vineyards
Photo provided by Kim Myers, Co-Owner, Laurel Gray Vineyards
In the Wine Light is International Merlot Day. This wine holiday is celebrated annually on November 7th.
Merlot is one of the most widely planted and noble wine grapes in all the world. It typically is one of first red grapes to bud break, so it sometimes has issues with the late spring frosts we see here in North Carolina. Due to the earlier bud break, it’s often one of the first red grapes to be harvested.
Merlot hails from Bordeaux and is an offspring of Cabernet Franc making it a sibling to Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, and Malbec. It wasn’t until around 2009 that Merlot’s other parent was discovered via DNA testing. This obscure variety, Merlot’s mother, is formally known as Magdeleine Noire des Charentes.
Sales of Merlot increased in the 1990s along with other red wines following the airing of the 60 Minutes segment on the French Paradox. Then sales fell nearly 2% following the release of the 2004 movie Sideways which unfairly degraded Merlot. Merlot has since made a comeback.
Even babies love merlot! This is Baby Jack with merlot from Laurel Gray Vineyards in 2007. These grapes made a 100% estate wine that later won Best in Show at the NC State Fair Wine Competition.
Photo provided by Kim Myers, Co-Owner, Laurel Gray Vineyards
Merlots are often known for being full bodied with medium tannins. Classic flavors are black cherry, raspberry, and plum.
There are many delightful Merlots in the state. Just a few of our favorite include (but not limited to) Merlots from Jones von Drehle Vineyards and Winery, Laurel Gray Vineyards, South Creek Vineyards and Winery, and McRitchie Winery & Ciderworks.
What do you like about Merlot? How are celebrating this iconic variety?
#MerlotDay #InTheWineLight
