Winery: Château Laronde Desormes
Wine: Red Bordeaux Blend 2005
Location: Bordeaux Supérieur, France
Purchased: Friar Tuck
Price: $15.99

 

As the saying goes, what a difference a year makes. Jonathan and I first sampled this wine last September. As I re-read what I wrote about the wine the first time, a few things stood out. First, we chose this wine because we were preparing to go to France and were drinking more French wines. The bin for this wine was nearly empty so we figured others liked it. Secondly, I originally found this wine “interesting, mainly with the way the addition of food changed the entire complexity of the wine.” Jonathan did not have such favorable reviews the first time. He thought, “the wine almost tasted bitter and didn’t taste the fruit flavors

 

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Winery: Sula
Wine: Satori Merlot N.V.
Location: Nashik, India
Purchased: The Leela Palace Hotel
Price: $30.00 (about $10 online)

On the first Valentine’s Day I spent with my husband (boyfriend at the time), he prepared a fancy dinner and selected a bottle of wine for us to enjoy. Being poor college students, we hadn’t yet developed our appreciation for wine, but this bottle of wine piqued my interest. The thought, effort and love behind the selection helped me realize winemakers put those same qualities into every bottle of wine they produce. Just as my husband put a little of himself into the selection, winemakers put a little of themselves into each bottle of wine.

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Château Lafite Rothschild Owners Launch Chinese Wine Project: Bordeaux firm plans to plant on 60 acres in Shandong province and prove China’s winemaking potential

 Wine giant Château Lafite Rothschild is out to put China on the winemaking map. Recently, Château Lafite Rothschild partnered with a Chinese company to secure 60 acres of land to grow grapes. Wine production is several years away, but soil testing and determining which grape varietals will grow best starts soon.

 Bordeaux 2008: First Growths tipped for €100 a bottle as market takes control

 

With the economic crisis being felt around the world, now may be the time to buy a few outstanding wines. Bordeaux first growths, some of the most respected wines in the world, are slashing their prices in response to market conditions. Château Latour was the first to announce its price at 110 Euros or about $145 U.S. dollars. Check out these links for more information.

 

Decanter Magazine

Bordeaux 2008

 Merlot Makes a Comeback: After greedy vinters largely ruined the popular varietal, a tasting of inexpensive wines shows new promise

 

After becoming an overnight success and planted in every nook and cranny that would grow grapes, the quality of Merlot wines severely declined. The wines were sweet, simple, dripping with vanilla and overly alcoholic. However, recent vintages appear to have placed more of an emphasis on quality over quantity. Merlot producers seem to be moving in the right direction.

 

Every Friday, our local wine store hosts “Friday at Five.” It’s their version of happy hour. They provide several wines by the glass for $5 and a special $10 premium pour. Jonathan and I had never been to a Friday at Five, we usually go to the tastings on Saturday. However, this week’s e-mail stated they would have an ultra premium pour. Wine Spectator’s 2008 wine of the year, Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta 2005, by the glass for $15. I was sold – I had to taste!

 

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A few years ago, Merlot wine received national attention when the movie Sideways hit the big screen. The main character, played by Paul Giamatti, refused to drink Merlot. He was a Pinot Noir drinker.

The earliest mention of the Merlot grape appears in the notes from a Bordeaux winemaker in 1784. The wine, made from a grape in the Libournais region, comes from the French regional word “merlot”, which means “young blackbird.” The naming came either because of the grape’s dark-blue color or because of the blackbird’s fondness for grapes. Researchers at the University of California at Davis believe that the Merlot grape is an offspring of Cabernet Franc and a sibling of Carménère.

Merlot grapes appear to be a close cousin of Cabernet Sauvignon, and some of its greatest success has been blended with Cabernet Sauvignon. However, they are lower in tannins and mature faster in cooler regions. Merlot grapes are a bit harder to grow due to the fact they are susceptible to fungus and mold. It is a very thin-skinned grape, and its popularity is due in part to its softer, fruitier flavors. Typically, Merlot displays many of the same flavors and aromas: black cherry, currant, cedar, mint, tobacco, plums and mocha.

Merlot grapes grow in loose bunches of large berries. The berries have a blue-purple color, with few tannins. Merlot grapes thrive in cold, clay soils, but they are susceptible to an early frost. Another key element to successfully growing Merlot grapes includes well drained soil. They also have a propensity to quickly over ripen in a matter of a few days. Main growing areas for Merlot grapes include Bordeaux, California, Washington state, Australia, Chile and Long Island.

Cabernet Sauvignon is thought to be “the red grape” from Bordeaux. However, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are actually second in total acreage to Merlot grapes. Merlot wines are known for being soft, round and extremely drinkable. These wines typically pair well with beef, lamb, grilled seafood and spicy ethnic dishes. Merlot is a great wine for new wine drinkers due to its soft flavors and drinkability.