If you're a wine lover like me, chances are you've seen the movie "Sideways", which showcases a large part of the beautiful, majestic wine region of the Central California Coast which contains 40 AVA's (American Viticultural Area). We all know the famous Paul Giamatti "not safe for the blog" line about Merlot in the movie, but I need you to forget about that line right now! This movie has actually been heavily mentioned as being a serious catalyst to the cause in the drop of the popularity of Merlot, affecting its sales, and even simultaneously increasing the popularity of other varietals such as Pinot Noir. Sideways couldn't take down Merlot though as it is the second most planted grape variety in the world! Being that it's Merlot month, I want to take you through the back story of this great wine and explain why it's become one of our favorites. Of course, the foodie in me has compelled me to share a few ideas on what you can pair Merlot with at your next dinner party!

Why We Like Merlot

It's quickly become one of our favorite wines in the Warren home, especially as a dinner wine. Merlot pairs so well with many of the things we like to cook. It's often compared to Cabernet but with a softer option and usually lower in tannins. I happen to be slight;y sensitive to tannins and find that I get headaches easier with some red blends that are heavy in them. Sometimes all it takes is one glass, and I can still wake up with a headache. Merlot doesn't have this effect on me however, and even though I also love a good cab, this is one reason why I find myself quicker to grab for Merlot off the shelf. Merlot also has a lower acidity and lighter body which I also feel helped fuel the rise in popularity of Pinot Noir as a replacement for a bit of lost popularity in the past. Depending on the region and climate of where the wine is produced will also have a factor on the taste. Growing in a warmer client will produce juicier, fruit forward notes. Whereas growing in cooler climates can produce a product closer to the taste of a Cab. This is why we love the J. Lohr Estate Los Osos Merlot from Paso Robles, CA. The climate in which its grown is a perfect mix of cooler nights and warmer days. The 2020 vintage is also blended with 14% Malbec which brings juiciness to the palate and 10% Cabernet Franc that adds layers of cocoa and peppery spice. This blend gives a lighter, juicier mouthfeel product with fantastic notes of fresh plum and bright raspberry flavors.

Characteristics of Merlot

Wine drinkers have been known to say that they can taste of the local flavor of the wine grapes. These can be sweet and sometimes dry, sometimes smooth and sometimes bitter at the finish, and often times that they can't taste any difference at all. Have you ever wondered about the different grape varieties themselves and how the wine has these differing tastes and textures? Merlot is a type of grape that has a soft, fruity taste and is grown in many wine-producing regions around the world. The grapes grow in different climates, soils, and with differing techniques will slightly alter the characteristics of it. This makes Merlot one of my favorite wines to enjoy and experience the uniqueness of it at wine tastings.

Merlot Growing Regions

Grown all over the world the four leading producers of Merlot grapes are

1.)Bordeaux, France 2.)Tuscany, Italy 3.) A northern region of Italy called Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and of course close to my heart, and my personal favorite, 4.) California. According to The Wine Institute the majority of California's Merlot vines are planted in Lodi/San Joaquin County, followed by Napa, Sonoma and Monterey counties. While the majority of California Merlot comes from these regions, there are not many other popular wined regions in California that produce world class Merlot, such as Paso Robles. Our favorite, the Los Osos Merlot from J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, is grown in the moderately cool El Pomar District of Paso Robles, which is acknowledged to be the ideal area for this variety in the Paso Robles AVA.

Food Pairings with Merlot

Merlot, while amazing to sip on its own, is just as wonderful to enjoy with food.

Our featured wine, the J. Lohr Estate Los Osos Merlot is a very versatile wine for food pairings as well. This wine goes absolutely great with a variety of foods ranging from a grilled sausage and vegetable shish kebob all the way to a decadent creamy spinach and tomato tortellini dish. I personally love pairing the Los Osos Merlot with lamb chops topped with a fig cherry glaze and a side of roasted vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes.

No matter the occasion, be it elegant dinner parties, or just a weekend backyard BBQ the 2020 J.Lohr Estates Los Osos Merlot is going to please every guest that sits at your table. This perfect blend of 76% Merlot, 14% Malbec, and 10% Cab Franc gives the wine the bright, fruitful flavor that brings a juiciness to the pallet that you are sure to love. Do yourself a favor and uncork a bottle, then sit back and enjoy the smiles of all your satisfied friends.

For more about the J. Lohr Estate Los Osos Merlot or to visit the beautiful vineyards in Paso Robles, California click -here-.