The movie Sideways in 2004 & the rise of Malbec in Argentina over the last 25 years has certainly tagged teamed Merlot’s popularity almost to obscurity, but slowly & quietly Merlot is making a modest comeback.

Chateau Carbonnau from the Sainte-Foy de Bordeaux appellation is one of a handful of estates producing Merlot and, ironically, blending it with Merlot’s mortal enemy Malbec! The chateau was built around 1880. Following the Depression in the 1930’s & the emergence of cooperatives, the chateau’s production was sold to the Gensac Wine Cooperative. In 1995 the estate owners decided to make a break from the cooperative & strike out on their own.

The blend is made up of 85% Merlot & 15% Malbec -- fruit forward with ripe cherries, figs, plums, & spice on the palate. There’s not an oak barrel in sight here -- just a wine with silky texture & vibrant acidity for a very quaffable style!

Back in the day these two grapes (along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, & Petit Verdot which make up the Cinque Cepages, the 5 varietals allowed to be used for Bordeaux wines) have been paired up more frequently. Today many producers in Bordeaux are opting to make more affordable wines that are fresher & lighter with softer tannins, introducing this iconic viticultural region to a new generation of wine enthusiasts!