Not Merely Merlot!

The origin of the Merlot's name means "young blackbird," describing the deep purple color of grapes.

Quick Facts
Merlot is widely planted and found in California, also in Washinton State, which makes some fantastic examples.South America, Hungary, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Croatia, Romania, Switzerland, Spain, Austria, and Italy.

Blends
Great on its own, Merlot lends itself to be a tremendous asset in blended wines. Of course, France in Bourdeaux, especially the right bank consisting of Pomerol and Saint Emilion. In Italy's in the Friuli region, and all over Australia and Washington.

Impact of the movie Sideways
In one sentence, the movie Sideways obliterated Merlot! "I am not, and F###### Merlot" for many, ended a lot of love for the wine. Conversely, the wine stated as "The day you open a '61 Cheval Blanc—that's a special occasion." is mainly Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
The first choice, Chateau Petrus Pomerol, a rare and expensive wine, received a fax that it did not think much of, so it did not respond.
By using a Bordeaux wine, the thought was it would mitigate the disdain Miles had for Merlot.  Many found it too subtle. After the release of the movie, Merlot, already in sales decline was impacted further while Pinot Noir sales were up by 16%.

Merlot Profile
Like all other wines grapes, Merlot is a product of its environment.
The cool climate makes wine consisting of strawberries, some cherry, and herbs. Warm climates evoke notes of chocolate, smoke, and plum. Oak can also add influence with subtle cedar, smoke, cigar box, and bacon fat.

Merlot the Springtime Wine!
Not as dense Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot does fit a lot of rules when in need of a bigger wine! Grill-friendly and able to please a range of palates. It is time to let Merlot seek center-stage. You will not be disappointed!

Life After Cabernet Sauvignon

“The BIG Picture!”

With almost everybody loving Cabernet Sauvignon, it is now the most widely planted grape in the world! However, Cabernet Sauvignon leans towards the expensive side when seeking a great bottle! 

So we will explore fantastic wines though not as well-known, offering great alternatives to Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Wines

1. Nero D’Avola, Sicily

2. Merlot

3. Touriga Nacional, Portugal

4. Lagrein, Italy

5. Monastrell, Spain

The Grapes!

Nero D’Avola, Sicily

Nero D’Avola varies widely with the best examples worth seeking out! Black fruits and grippy tannins add power to a reasonable price. Try to avoid blends as they will tend to be less in intensity!

Merlot

Merlot can be full-bodied as Cabernet Sauvignon, and one must be selective! Good giveaways are 13.5 to 14.5 alcohol. Hillside Estates, think places like Howell Mountain, etc. Washington makes amazing Merlot that rivals their Cabernet. And if you like rugged, Chile and Argentina will do in a pinch! 

Touriga Nacional, Portugal

This grape should be in a segment, “Life after port!” Portuguese red wines are on the rise, and ones made with Touriga Nacional are some of the best. Please note, most already consider this grape the best for port production. Port was initially just a red wine made to travel. So now we are getting back to its roots!

Similar to Cabernet Sauvignon. Some of the best Portuguese dry reds include Touriga Nacional mixed with several of the other local varieties. By producing blends, the flavor profiles are extended and taste more complex. Check out a dry red wine from the Douro Valley. Touriga Francesa is often blended into the wine to soften and round out the flavor.

Lagrein, Italy

From a town in Northern Italy, in Alto Adige. This 16th Century grape offers peppery notes and sometimes bracing acidity. This wine blind can easily be confused with Cabernet Sauvignon. Lagrein tends to be slightly lighter in color and density than Cabernet Sauvignon.

Monastrell, Spain

Meaty and aromatic Monastrell (in France, Mourvedre) is traditionally sold young. Hot growing regions create smooth, plush, and luxurious wines. Most say it got its start in Spain, but France also offers wine from the Bandol region that tends towards the rugged side!

Focus Grape Cabernet Sauvignon

Planted all over the world and with prices ranging from every day to total sticker-shock! These thoughts make Cabernet Sauvignon the King of Wine!

Range of Flavor
During their creation, Cabernet Sauvignon does a good job reflecting their growing conditions. Climate and weather play into the wines final “Style.” In cold climates, they are bold rich and expressive wines chock-full of red to black fruits, tobacco, cigar box. Warmer climates, create riper styles with black fruits to cherries. Finally, in a quite warm area, the fruits can become jammy.

In all, Cabernet Sauvignon is considered full-bodied, with firm tannin [The pucker sensation needed to balance the fruit notes] and enough fruit to create many age-worthy examples. Fortunately, either because of technology or traditional winemaking practices, most are ready on release!

Quick notes
A savory compound Pyrazine in high quantities takes on a green bell pepper note. But like the slightly musty nature of some Pinot Noir, in small doses and a smooth edge bringing character and depth. Typical flavors are mint, fire-roasted peppers, and olives.

Cabernet Sauvignon has parents, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc! Cabernet Franc is also related to Merlot and Carménère.

Steak Pairing Guide
Filet Mignon, pair best with a Cabernet that has less fruit. Think Sonoma or Bordeaux. 
New York strip is the most open to different styles of Cabernet Sauvignon, explore! 
Ribeye, need to bolder tannic styles because they possess the strength to cleanse the palate and share in the overall taste.
Flank steaks require fruitier wines with some grip. Think Argentina, Australia, and Chile

The cooking style changes the rules!
Char-grilling steaks create a bolder flavor. Au Poivre a peppercorn studded steak and sauce also create a more prominent character needing those big Cabernets we all love! These two cooking styles also bring out the oak used in aging the wine. Pyrazines kick in their peppery notes to bring it all together! 

So in final, Dry, old world wine styles with juicy steaks and fruitier wines with leaner cuts of steak.