Red Wine Harvest: Merlot

Cool climate Merlot, often overshadowed by its more robust, warmer climate counterpart, offers a unique and intriguing expression of this beloved varietal. Grown in regions with a significantly lower temperature, these Merlots exhibit a distinctive elegance, marked by vibrant acidity, nuanced flavors, and a refined structure that appeals to discerning palates. From the earthy undertones and red fruit notes to the subtle spice and balanced tannins, cool climate Merlot captures the essence of terroir, providing wine enthusiasts with a fresh perspective on a classic grape.

Merlot is one of many red wine varieties that excel in cool-climate wine-growing regions. It especially shines in France’s southwest region of Bordeaux.  Like the Leelanau Peninsula, Bordeaux has clay and limestone soils that help the grape thrive. 

Outside of France, Merlot can be found in many winemaking regions around the globe, including Italy’s Friuli region, California, Washington, New York, and Michigan.

In the U.S., Merlot is well-known to grow alongside Cabernet Sauvignon in California- a warm climate - and Washington State - a cool climate. Experts say you rarely find Cabernet Sauvignon in cool climate regions like Michigan. Although Cabernet Sauvignon does not fully ripen in cool climates, Merlot can thrive on the Leelanau Peninsula due to our unique climate and clay soil. At Good Harbor Vineyards, our Merlot is grown in Benjamin’s and David’s Vineyards. Merlot grows among varietals in these vineyards, including Albariño, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Riesling, Vignoles, and Pinot Gris. 

Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon share a parent grape - Cabernet Franc - it can be hard to differentiate them in cooler growing regions. Not all regions that grow significant quantities of Merlot will have a comparable amount of Cabernet Sauvignon planted. Good Harbor Vineyards has no Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards planted.

(Cabernet Franc is one of the parents of Merlot, which makes it a half-sibling of Cabernet Sauvignon. Infographic Credit of winefolly.com)

Good Harbor Vineyards’ Merlot

We are very excited about the release of our 2022 Merlot this season. Over the years, we’ve produced a variety of reds but this will be the first Bordeaux variety under our label. The Good Harbor Vineyards 2022 Merlot blends 93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc.

Head Winemaker Drew Perry describes this wine as nothing like you would find on the West Coast. Our Merlot is well-structured and lighter than those grown in warmer climates like California. The darker fruit characteristics and great acidity make it the perfect wine to pair with meats like lamb, duck and veal. 

Perry recommends letting it age for 3-5 years before enjoying it. Some Merlots can age gracefully in 3-7 years while the complexities of exceptional ones can enhance for 15 years or more.

Merlot offers a distinctive and sophisticated wine experience. With its rich tapestry of red fruits, delicate spice, and smooth tannins, the Good Harbor Vineyards 2022 Merlot not only reflects our dedication to quality but also highlights the exceptional potential of cool climate Merlot.