I first became aware of the global social media event #MerlotMe via Twitter. It’s a social initiative to remind us to enjoy Merlot during the month of October. The celebration is beginning with a Merlot tasting in San Francisco on October 10. The tasting will feature 20 wineries pouring Merlot. Light appetizers will accompany the wine tasting. It sounds like a fun event.
Our celebration of Merlot involved a bottle of Merlot from Brazil and a group of friends. It is a bottle that is very special to us. We have been holding the bottle, waiting for just the right occasion, to share it with our wine friends. Just such an event came up recently. Here’s how the celebration unfolded.
Pete’s son lives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. During their many conversations, Pete had asked him about his experiences with wine in Brazil and expressed an interest in trying wine from Brazil. So, Seth made a trip to his local wine shop in Rio de Janeiro. The selection of red wines was not as wide as the selection of sparkling wines. He consulted with the wine shop owner, whose preference tended toward the sparkling wine. Seth indicated he preferred a red wine. The shopkeeper highly recommended 2009 Miolo Merlot Terroir. Done. On Seth’s next trip back to the United States, he brought the bottle to Pete who was very pleased with the gift.
We recently attended a party at the home of one of our wine friends. The invite said we could bring a bottle of wine. The perfect opportunity to have our friends try Pete’s special bottle of Merlot. Pete carefully wrapped the bottle in a brown paper bag. He taped it closed around the neck of the bottle, making certain no one could see the label. Pete wanted to get everyone’s opinion of the wine without their knowing anything about it. He asked everyone to note their thoughts about the wine on a sheet of paper. It was a fun exercise.
Some comments about the 2009 Miolo Merlot Terroir included: “soft fragrant red berry nose, light body,” “light and elegant,” “good balance, very well-integrated tannins, not over-done,” “light, elegant, layers of fruit flavors in the long finish,” “nice.”
Our notes: blackberries and plums on the nose, dark fruit flavors, smooth tannins. Fairly complex flavors with a medium body and moderately long finish.
This wine reminded me how much I enjoy Merlot and why. It can be elegant and flavorful. Tannins present, yes that’s a must, but not overwhelming. And it can have a lengthy finish. It can be easy to drink and can go with a variety of food. The Miolo Merlot Terroir sipped nicely on its own. It also tasted great with the assortment of hors d’oeuvres we all contributed (everything from shrimp in a dill cream sauce to a spicy chili and cheese frittata to cheesy fig and prosciutto crostini). ABV 14%.
Miolo Wine Group had a humble beginning in Brazil. Guiseppe Miolo arrived in Bento Gonçalves (southern Brazil near the border with Uruguay) in 1897 from the Veneto region in northeastern Italy. In exchange for hard work he was granted a parcel of land, Lote 43 (the Miolo Lote 43 today is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot). Miolo’s first bottling under their own name did not come until 1992. Today, Miolo Wine Group is the largest wine producer in Brazil and has distribution worldwide.
Brazil has six wine regions, five of which are located in the area near the town of Bento Gonçalves. The Serra Gaúcha wine region, which contains the Denominação de Origen (D.O.) Vale do Vinhedos, is the largest region and produces nearly 90% of Brazil’s fine wines. The region has an astounding 150,000 visitors annually. 130,000 visit Miolo every year.
Amazing. It all started with a conversation between Father and Son about wine. Then a trip to a wine shop, the selection of a Merlot and a gift from Son to Father. Then the hashtag #MerlotMe enters the equation. Add an invitation to a wine party. Plus the tasting of the 2009 Miolo Merlot Terroir. Now I’m curious about the history of Miolo and winemaking in Brazil, that must be added as well. Voilà, we have a great equation including family, good wine, history and friends. Of course that equals Merlot happiness.
Cheers!
Sweet story
Thank you.