Wine enthusiasts raise their glasses today to celebrate International Merlot Day. We honor the rich, velvety grape that has captured our hearts with its supple charm and accessible elegance. It is believed that the name Merlot is derived from a diminutive form of "merle," the French word for blackbird. Originating from the vineyards of Bordeaux, France, Merlot is today the second most planted grape worldwide. Nestled in over 260,000 hectares of vineyards, about the size of Luxembourg, Merlot is a testament to adaptability and taste. Its ripe tannins and juicy dark fruit flavors of black cherry and hints of herbs make it a crowd-pleaser, while its ability to age gracefully in the bottle endears it to collectors. Merlot has gracefully recovered from the 'Sideways effect'—a temporary decline in demand due to a single film's preference for Pinot Noir. Today, it stands tall, a favorite for its medium-bodied texture and flavors that range from plums and berries to chocolate and bay leaf, depending on the vineyard's terroir. From the casual sipper to the seasoned aficionado, Merlot offers a spectrum of great experiences. Let's savor the depth, indulge in the history, and celebrate the grape that has become a beloved staple in the wine community. Here's to Merlot. Cheers! More: https://wineinternationalassociation.org/7th-november-2023-happy-international-merlot-day/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merlot Text based mostly on the references above and ChatGPT-4, Image by Dall-E 3.