When was the last time you enjoyed a Merlot? How about a Balistreri Merlot? For a grape that has received a lot of ‘shade’ for the past 20 years (thanks Hollywood), it is often misunderstood and certainly underestimated. Following the Merlot crash of 2005 and the release of the movie Sideways, the grape’s popularity has never fully recovered. If you’re not familiar, its worth looking up and if nothing else having a little chuckle at one of the biggest market shifts to ever happen in the wine industry. Many wineries who had traditionally made robust and structured Merlots had to shift to making them into juicier and sweeter red blends with any fanciful name other than Merlot. Or worst case, consider stripping them out and replanting altogether.
We have made Merlot since our first vintage in 1998, and even in the face of skeptical misconceptions, we have always valued these wines and strive to make them in a structured and serious style. Over the years some of our most praised wines and ones we are most proud of have been Merlot. A lot of this is due to our focus on extraction, building body, and showcasing the generous fruit and opulence of this grape. This new 2023 vintage is one of those stars that stands out among the rest. Undeniably delicious, this vintage does an incredible job balancing elegance with power, and is one of our favorites out of 2023.
This new Merlot is structured, flaunting immense posture as it presents dynamic flavors of dark red fruit, violet floral qualities, and youthful robust tannins. A Merlot that over-delivers for those wanting medium-plus body in a wine, but retrains and softens itself with complimenting acidity and liveliness in such an approachable vintage. If its been a while since you’ve tried a Balistreri Merlot, here’s an exciting reminder! But, if we haven’t convinced you and Merlots are just not your thing… have a sip and let this new 2023 change your mind.
Cheers!
From The Balistreri Family
Natural Wine from Balistreri Vineyards
All Balistreri Wines are made naturally with indigenous yeast, no sulfites added, and no fining or filtering. You won’t get a headache with these wines.
Read more about our natural winemaking here, and be sure to pick up a bottle online or in the winery.
Try the 2023 Merlot
Want to try this one of our favorites from the 2023 vintage? Stop by the Winery for a taste of our current lineup. Make a reservation here!
Join the Balistreri Wine Club
Want a bottle of Balistreri wine, a complimentary wine tasting for two each month, and 20% off all additional purchases? Sign up for our Wine Club! Click here to see details and join.
