So I was sitting here thinking what in the world happened to the Merlot grape? 

If we look at merlot through history it is a noble grape planted almost everywhere in the world.  In Bordeaux it is the most widely planted grape in the region.  The flavor is generally ripe dark berry with cassis, medium bodied with soft tannin and pairs well with many meals. 

And for some reason it seems to be out of fashion right now.  The wine hasn't done anything wrong, it hasn't changed, but I can't help but think that one line from a movie has changed the outlook on a perfectly innocent wine.  As someone once put it, "the Sideways effect".  So I am here to tell you that I WILL drink merlot and I might even enjoy it! 

Merlot does vary somewhat by region. Looking for something fruit forward, even jammy? Right now one of the wines I'm recommending is Ch Ste Michelle's Indian Wells Merlot ($17.99) from the Columbia Valley, Washington state--and pair it with burgers and barbecue. More structured is the Jackie Merlot from Napa. At $26.99 it's the perfect wine with steak and grilled portobello mushrooms. And of course, there's Bordeaux: Ch Feret-Lambert ($19.99) has 90% merlot and 10% cabernet, aged in French oak. Match it with lamb chops on the grill.

So the next time you are in a store buying wine- check out the merlot section- that includes France, Italy, Chile, Argentina and the United States.  Find it in a blend or drink it on its own.  Either way I bet if you like red wine you will be able to find a merlot you can quaff.  Let's have three cheers for Merlot!

Hip, hip and sip

Hip, hip and sip

Hip, hip and sip!

Guest blogger Kathleen Robinson is the wine consultant in our Lake Wales store