Happy International Merlot Day!
Here are some fun facts about merlot that you‘ll mer-love:
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Merlot means “little blackbird” in an old regional French dialect.
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This wine is best at 60 — 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If it‘s served too hot the flavors muddle together, and if it‘s served too cold the flavors can be muted.
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Merlot is one of the most planted grapes in the world- second only to Cabernet Sauvignon!
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While this grape is very adaptable to climate, it‘s actually quite difficult to grow.
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Merlot tends to fall right in the middle of the red wine spectrum, meaning it has medium levels of alcohol, acidity, and tannin. It‘s no wonder it‘s such a crowd-pleaser!
Today we‘re celebrating with a bottle of Keuka Spring‘s 2019 Merlot. When drinking this rich, dry, smooth wine you will notice hints of black cherry and plum. This merlot pairs best with pasta, red meat, chicken cacciatore, and steak. A bottle of the 2019 Merlot can be purchased for just $19.99.
Keuka Spring Vineyards has been coming to the Finger Lakes Wine Festival for 25 years! Their tasting room, located in Penn Yann on Keuka Lake, is just 35 minutes from the Festival grounds. Len and Judy Wiltberger founded Keuka Spring Vineyards in the early 1980s, and now run it with the help of their four children. Their commitment to high-quality, hand-crafted wine has certainly paid off, as they‘ve received numerous awards across the industry. They‘re one of the only wineries in New York to have been awarded the Governor‘s Cup (an award given to the best single wine in the state for that year) three times! To learn more about Keuka Spring Vineyards, purchase any of their wines, or plan your visit, check out their website: www.keukaspringwinery.com/
