The Bordeaux region is defined by the intersection of the Gironde Estuary and the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, a geography that mirrors the distinct character of its wines. While the Left Bank is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, the Right Bank is defined by Merlot. In my latest TV segment, I deconstructed the essential components of…
Have you ever felt that the universe was trying to tell you something? Nature has a funny way of knowing how you feel and somehow demonstrates her wisdom at moments that you need it the most. On a recent drive, I was feeling tired and just beaten down and as I turned the bend, there…
Oh Merlot! The step-child of the wine world. The grape that could have been if it weren’t for a stupid line in a movie that also may be the MOST misunderstood line in any movie ever. But thankfully, Merlot seems to be on the rise again. Let’s celebrate it this Thursday, International Merlot Day. The…
Merlot may not be the most popular grape variety to talk about, but it is extremely popular in the ground. It is the second most planted grape variety in the world. According to the OIV, the International Organization of Vine and Wine, Merlot (657,300 acres) is only second to Cabernet Sauvignon (840.000) in terms of…
Did you know that October is Merlot Month? Yep, an entire month dedicated to the variety and it all wraps up with Merlot Day on November 7th. The first mention of Merlot came in 1784 in Bordeaux. The officials referred to the grape as “little blackbird” or “young blackbird.” It is thought that the name …
October is my favorite month. Halloween…. our anniversary…. and #MerlotMe! A month dedicated to a grape variety that hasn’t had the easiest time in the past. In the early 90s, Merlot vines were over planted. A misunderstanding of the variety and the environment it grows well in led to a high number of poorly farmed…
“Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love – that makes life and nature harmonise. The birds are consulting about their migrations, the trees are putting on the hectic or the pallid hues of decay, and begin to strew the ground, that one’s very footsteps may not disturb the…
That Was Then Brittney Spears may not have been talking about Merlot in her debut single hit, but after listening to her lyrics, the sentiment holds true for us Merlot lovers: Oh baby, baby, how was I supposed to know That something wasn’t right here? At the time that Merlot saw its greatest decline in…
From the Ashes Rises a Phoenix I love Merlot. I always have. Everybody blames a certain movie on the downfall of Merlot, but in all honesty, I believe it had more to do with over planting and poor viticulture, than a misunderstood line in a movie. Or at least as a scientist, I’d like to…
