Winemaker Notes
With generous fruit and supple tannins, Merlot is made in a range of styles from everyday-drinking to world-renowned and age-worthy. Merlot is the dominant variety in the wines from Bordeaux’s Right Bank regions of St. Emilion and Pomerol, where it is often blended with Cabernet Franc to spectacular result. Merlot also frequently shines on its own, particularly in California’s Napa Valley. Somm Secret—As much as Miles derided the variety in the 2004 film, Sideways, his prized 1961 Château Cheval Blanc is actually a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
A perfect example of quality at high elevation—with an otherwise extremely hot and dry climate—Arizona’s best wines come from vineyards at 4,000 to 5,000 feet. At these elevations, large diurnal temperature shifts allow grapes to fully ripen while retaining good acidity levels.
The state produces impressive Syrah and Zinfandel as well as some noteworthy whites.