The Magic of Merlot

        November 7th is International Merlot Day! If you think you would rather forego Merlot, we hope you’ll reconsider. Here at Ruby Hill Winery, we believe in crafting unique, approachable wines that marry the styles and flavors of classic wines, while creating innovative combinations you can’t get anywhere else.  The wines shown above encompass a wide range of styles, profiles, and price, and yet they share one thing in common. A single, unsung varietal plays a supporting role: the everyday hero of this story is Merlot. 

        When you enjoy our current vintages of Grapeful Red, Cuvée Dray, Reserve Mirage, Patchwork, Reserve Cabernet, Jewel Cabernet or Odyssey, you enjoy some percentage of Merlot—a percentage that is there for a reason. Why does this varietal play a part in so many of our wines?

Merlot & Its Blends

        Merlot is an early-ripener with a soft flesh, and is very commonly found alongside the classic late-ripening, fiercely tannic Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is the most widely planted varietal in France, where it is oven blended with Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and other varietals to add both body and softness. France’s legendary Bordeaux blends are divided into two designations, right bank and left bank. A left bank Bordeaux is generally Cabernet Sauvignon-forward, while a right bank Bordeaux is Merlot-forward. In Italy, Merlot is used for softness in some Sangioveses and other traditional high-acid Italian varietals. 

Merlot in Pop Culture

        In the US, the story of Merlot has been heavily influenced by pop culture. Merlot saw a wild rise in popularity after 60 Minutes reported on the French Paradox—the observation that heart disease is low in France, even though cheese and red wine make up a large proportion of the average diet. As a traditional French wine, this boosted Merlot’s public appeal. The film Sideways, released in 2004, featured a Pinot Noir snob who famously rejected Merlot in all of its forms. This film has been subsequently credited with an undeserved decline in the popularity of Merlot!

Merlot in California

        When Merlot came to California, it was often bottled alone as a single varietal wine. Though this is not uncommon now, Winemakers are more likely to reach back to the Merlot’s roots as a blending wine. Merlot adds delicious full-bodied softness as well as a toothsome fruitiness wherever it is featured. When used in slightly higher percentages, such as in our premium Odyssey red wine, Merlot also adds a detectable delicate aroma and freshness.

        Single varietal wines and red blends are a collaboration of flavors, aromas, textures, and more. At its core, Merlot works well as a refined and delicate supporting actor, working in the background so that other varietals can put on their best show. At the same time, giving Merlot a chance to take on the spotlight makes unforgettable wines. We encourage you: don’t forget about the little hero Merlot!

Shop our blends and single varietals with Merlot support:

Cuvée Dray · Reserve Mirage · Grapeful Red · Patchwork · Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon · Jewel Cabernet Sauvignon · Odyssey

Want to learn more about our estate-grown Merlot and the Odyssey red wine? Consider booking our Odyssey Experience! Click here for more info, or reach out to us at 925-931-9463 or info@rubyhillwinery.net