When: Annually, November 7.
Every year on 7 November is International Merlot Day. A day to reflect on the blue grape variety and of course – because that’s really what this day is all about – the wine made from these grapes.
The original wine variety
Historically, the wine variety Merlot comes from Bordeaux in France. The name Merlot is said to be a reference to the bird blackbird. The grape variety is larger than another variety that was common in the region, cabernet sauvignon. In comparison, the grape variety that eventually leads to Merlot is larger and has a thinner skin.
The grape variety grows fine in slightly cooler climates, and by now it does not only do so in France itself. Today, the wine variety is also produced in countries such as Australia, Chile, Hungary, Italy, Spain and South Africa. How this is possible? The name Merlot is not a protected name. This is the case, for example, when it comes to champagne. Only sparkling wine produced in northeastern France, according to a certain method (méthode tradiotionelle), is allowed to bear the name champagne. Other wines similar to it are therefore not. In popular speech, people are quick to speak of champagne, when this need not be the case at all.
For Merlot, the same is somewhat true. Only then, Merlot is not described as such, but as red wine. There is nothing wrong with that, only it is a general designation. There are so many different types of red wine. Moreover, true connoisseurs believe they can determine the origin of a Merlot.
Unlimited drinking
What does a day like today mean? Is it a matter of unlimited drinking? It’s not. It is a day to at least enjoy Merlot. It doesn’t even have to be with a glass of wine. If you manage to get hold of grapes from the region or a product with grapes from the region and it involves that particular grape variety, then that is also a good starting point.
Unless you have nothing at all to do with wine or grapes, of course. It is not an obligation. Imagine, compulsory Merlot drinking…
The day is mainly a fun day for the sector itself and its vendors.
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