INTERNATIONAL MERLOT DAY

(Last Updated On: February 16, 2023)

Every year on November 7th, International Merlot Day celebrates one of the world’s most popular red wines. It’s also a day to encourage those who have never had merlot to give it a try.

The word “merlot” is thought to be a diminutive of merle. This is the French name for the blackbird, which most likely refers to the color of the grape. Merlot wine was first produced in Bordeaux, France. Some mistakenly think that a different grape, cabernet sauvignon, is the most widely planted in Bordeaux. This is not the case, however. More hectares in Bordeaux are devoted to growing Merlot than any other grape. In Italy, Merlot is the 5th most planted grape. The grape is the 2nd most widely planted grape in Israel.

Besides Bordeaux, Italy, and Israel, other regions that produce Merlot include:

California
Washington
Chile
Australia
Canada
South Africa
Greece
Mexico

Wine experts describe the flavor of Merlot as a dark fruit flavor. These fruits include black cherry, blackberry, plum, and raspberry. These fruity flavors are layered with herbal tones as well as an undertones of vanilla and mocha. It is not a sweet wine, however. Merlot is a dry wine that some would consider bitter. This bitter taste comes from the skin of the grapes during the winemaking process.

HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalMerlotDay

On this day, liquor stores, bars, and restaurants feature different kinds of Merlot and offer special discounts on bottles of wine. Merlot lovers gather together and celebrate their favorite wine. Wine-tasting events and winemaking demonstrations are also popular on this day. If you have never tried Merlot, today is the perfect day to give it a try. Sit back with a glass of wine and enjoy one of these movies that features this popular beverage:

Sideways
A Walk in the Clouds
Bottle Shock
You Will Be My Son
A Good Year
Somm
Uncorked

You can also share this day on social media with #InternationalMerlotDay.