National Merlot Day

A wine lover holding a glass of merlot, enjoying it in a cozy, candlelit setting, with a bookshelf filled with wine-themed books in the background.. — National merlot day illustration

Welcome to National Merlot Day, the perfect excuse to raise a glass and savor the smooth, velvety goodness of this beloved red wine. Whether you're a connoisseur or just enjoy a casual sip, Merlot Day celebrates the rich history and delectable taste of this popular varietal. So, let's dive into the fascinating world of Merlot and discover why it deserves its own special day.

When is Merlot Day?

It's national merlot day on the 7th November.

A Brief History of Merlot

Merlot, derived from the French word 'merle' meaning blackbird, is believed to have originated in Bordeaux, France. It gained popularity in the 18th century when it was established as one of the primary varietals in the world-famous Bordeaux wine blends. Merlot's lush texture, fruity flavors, and approachable nature made it a hit with wine enthusiasts.

Fast forward to modern times, and Merlot has found its way into vineyards around the globe. It thrives in regions like California, Washington, and Chile, producing wines with a range of characteristics, from bold and structured to soft and supple.

Celebrating National Merlot Day

On National Merlot Day, wine lovers unite to indulge in their favorite Merlots. Whether you prefer a bottle from France's Bordeaux region or a local gem from a nearby vineyard, this is the day to raise a glass and appreciate the subtle nuances of this versatile wine.

Consider hosting a Merlot tasting party with your loved ones. Gather a selection of different Merlot wines, from various regions or vintages, and compare their unique qualities. Pair them with delicious bites, such as a cheese platter or hearty steak, to elevate your tasting experience.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the movie 'Sideways' had both a positive and negative impact on Merlot's popularity? When the main character, Miles, famously stated, 'I'm not drinking any f***ing Merlot!' in the movie, sales of Merlot dropped. However, the film also sparked an interest in Pinot Noir, which experienced a surge in popularity. So, while Merlot had a bumpy ride, it has remained a cherished wine in the hearts of many.

History behind the term 'Merlot'

1868

Birth of Merlot

The term 'merlot' was first mentioned in a document from 1868. It is believed to have originated from the French word 'merle', which means blackbird. This is likely due to the color of the grape, which is a deep blue-black. Merlot is a red wine grape variety known for its softness and easy-drinking nature.

1880

Birth of Merlot

Merlot originated in the Bordeaux wine region of France in the late 19th century. It was created through a natural crossing between the Cabernet Franc and the Magdeleine Noire des Charentes grape varieties. The name 'Merlot' is derived from the French word 'merle,' which means blackbird, due to the dark blue-black color of the grape.

18th century

The Birth of Merlot

Merlot, one of the most popular red wine grape varieties in the world, has its origins dating back to the 18th century in the Bordeaux region of France. The name 'Merlot' is derived from the French word 'merle,' which means blackbird. This name was given to the grape due to its dark blue color, resembling the plumage of a blackbird. Initially, Merlot was primarily used as a blending grape for Bordeaux wines.

1868

The Official Documentation

In 1868, Merlot was officially recognized and cataloged as a specific grape variety by a French grapevine expert named Victor Pulliat. This recognition solidified Merlot's status and contributed to its growing popularity in the region.

1948

Merlot Gains Popularity in Bordeaux

In 1948, Merlot found its true home in Bordeaux, France. It was blended with the Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety to create some of the world's most renowned and expensive wines. Merlot's smooth tannins and approachable flavors made it a favorite among wine enthusiasts, leading to an increase in its cultivation and popularity in the region.

1940

Rise in Popularity

During the 1940s, Merlot gained significant recognition and popularity among wine enthusiasts. Its soft and approachable characteristics, with flavors of ripe plums and cherries, attracted a wide range of consumers. It also became widely cultivated outside of France, particularly in regions such as California and Italy, leading to its global recognition.

1990s

Rising Popularity in the United States

During the 1990s, Merlot experienced a significant surge in popularity in the United States. This was largely due to a combination of factors, including its approachable and fruit-forward characteristics, as well as its exposure in popular culture. Merlot's smooth texture and less tannic nature made it appealing to a wide range of wine drinkers.

1970

California Embraces Merlot

During the 1970s, Merlot gained significant recognition in California. Winemakers, inspired by the success of Merlot in Bordeaux, started planting the grape variety in regions like Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Merlot became an essential component in California's emerging wine industry, attracting more consumers with its fruit-forward character and easy-drinking style.

1990

Sideways Effect

The 2004 movie 'Sideways' had a profound impact on the perception and consumption of Merlot. One of the film's main characters expressed a strong distaste for Merlot, leading to a decline in its sales and popularity. This phenomenon became known as the 'Sideways Effect.' However, despite this setback, Merlot remained a beloved wine choice for many enthusiasts.

1991

Merlot's Pop Culture Moment

In 1991, the movie 'Sideways' was released, which had a significant impact on the perception of Merlot. One of the main characters famously declared, 'I am not drinking any f***ing Merlot!' This line led to a temporary decline in Merlot sales, influencing consumer preferences towards other wine varieties. However, it also sparked curiosity and conversation about the wine, ultimately raising awareness about Merlot as a category.

2009

Merlot's Resurgence

After the initial decline caused by the 'Sideways Effect,' Merlot experienced a resurgence in popularity. Wine regions worldwide began focusing on producing high-quality Merlot wines, emphasizing its full-bodied and velvety texture, as well as complex flavors of dark fruits, chocolate, and herbs. This resurgence solidified Merlot's status as a top-notch wine variety.

2004

Sideways Effect

In 2004, the film 'Sideways' was released, which unexpectedly had a tremendous impact on the Merlot market. The main character, Miles, famously expresses his disdain for Merlot, leading to a decline in its popularity and sales. This phenomenon became known as the 'Sideways Effect' and resulted in a rise in interest and consumption of Pinot Noir, while Merlot sales dipped temporarily.

Present

Global Cultivation and Versatility

Merlot is now cultivated in various wine regions around the world, including France, Italy, the United States, Chile, and Australia. It is loved for its versatility, being able to produce both full-bodied and medium-bodied wines. Merlot wines often exhibit flavors of ripe plums, black cherries, and a soft, velvety texture. It remains a popular choice among wine enthusiasts globally.

Present

Merlot's Resurgence and Global Presence

Today, Merlot has experienced a resurgence in popularity. It is widely grown in wine regions around the world, including France, Italy, the United States, Chile, and Australia. Merlot's versatility as a blending grape or a standalone varietal has contributed to its global presence. It continues to be loved for its smoothness, notes of black cherry, plum, and chocolate, making it a beloved choice for wine enthusiasts worldwide.

Present

Versatility and Cultivation

Merlot continues to be widely cultivated in various wine regions, including Bordeaux, California, Italy, Chile, and Australia. Its versatility as a grape allows winemakers to produce a range of styles, from medium-bodied and fruity to rich and complex. Merlot's reputation as an approachable and food-friendly wine makes it a popular choice for wine enthusiasts around the world.