3 exquisite wines to celebrate International Merlot Day
Let’s raise a toast for a magnificent and unique wine variety that left its mark in wine history. We proudly celebrate the International Merlot Day with three exceptional Merlot wines from Greece.
Merlot is one of the most famous grape varieties in the world and there is a good reason for this.
It all started in Bordeaux, France, a territory widely known as the Mecca for wine lovers. At first, Merlot was used as a blending grape along with other grape varieties to create the famous Bordeaux wine. During the 18th century its popularity rose and soon it became the most planted grape variety in Bordeaux. The last two decades Merlot managed to become the second most planted variety in the world, after Cabernet Sauvignon. Nowadays Merlot is loved worldwide and you can find it planted in all of the famous wine making countries, such as Italy, Spain, Argentina, New Zealand, USA and of course here in Greece.
Fun Fact: The name Merlot is thought to derive from the French word merle, used to describe the blackbird.
Here at Domaine Hatzimichalis our Merlot is planted in two vineyards, Alargino and Yataki. The high quality of our Merlot wine is partially due to the ideal climate in Atalanti Valley, very similar to Bordeaux.
So, you are into red wine, but you’ve never tasted a Merlot? Here are 3 wines that you’ll love:
Merlot Yataki
Our Yataki vineyard, located at an altitude of 250 meters (820 feet) above sea level, is home to our Merlot. The climate and various sediments of this specific vineyard benefit the cultivation of Merlot, as does the lack of irrigation. The yield of this particular Merlot of ours is a tasty, refreshing treat. On the palate you can confirm the black fruits of the nose, the spices as well as some chocolaty and herbaceous notes. The long finish adds to the complexity of this wine.
Food Pairing: Enjoy it in the next 15-20 years ideally with grilled meat or meat casserole dishes.
Check out Merlot Yataki’s full description here.
Merlot Alargino
This Merlot is cultivated at our distinguished vineyard, Alargino. Literally meaning “the furthest away,” this vineyard produces a Merlot with very low yields and high concentration grapes. This particularly fine wine of ours ages for 12 months in French oak barriques, followed by a 12+ months aging in our cellars.
A very complex but still balanced wine. Baked fruits and liquorice balance well with the dominant black fruits. Full body, low tannins, and long finish. Delicate but still expressive wine. After ageing, tertiary flavours such as prune, mushrooms and vegetal notes start to appear.
Food Pairing: Enjoy it in the next 25-30 years with grilled duck, stuffed turkey, rooster with wine sauce and pork or beef tenderloin with plums.
Check out Merlot Alargino’s full description here.
Alfega Erythros (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot)
"Alfega" comes from the first and last letter of the Greek alphabet, representing our philosophy of making wines: from the first stage through the last.
We cultivate our own grapes, vinify our own wine, and proudly distribute our products. Our Alfega Erythros, results from a power trio of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, a typical Bordeaux blend expressed perfectly in the climate of Atalanti Valley. Each variety is separately aged for 12 months in French oak barriques, and then blended before aging in our cellar.
Black fruits, sweet spices such as cloves are evident on the palate, while leaving a jamminess feeling. Very balanced, high tannins, long finish and complexity that makes the wine unique.
Food Pairing: Enjoy it in the next 15-20 years, with cured meat platter, burgers, lamb or wild boar.
Check out Alfega Erythros’ full description here.
Those are our beloved Merlot wines and we couldn’t be more proud of! So, if you have that Merlot fever, give them a try and celebrate International Merlot Day in style.
