Merlot

But consumers could be seeking out higher quality Merlots from better sites as direct-to-consumer shipments of Merlot increased nearly 10% in the last 12 months ending in July.

To celebrate International Merlot Day (November 7), here are some moderately priced merlots from varied regions, each with their own characteristics...

We asked members of our panel to taste and rate their favorite merlots. As always, these selections include brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine's retail price (which can vary from store to store and market to market).

Common notes in Merlots are black fruits such as blackberry, blackcurrants and cherries.

CHILE was the success story of the 90s with its cheap and cheerful Merlots and Cabernets.

Some 85 wineries are now in business, many of them hot boutique operations that have upped the ante on an industry once characterized by centuries-old technology and only the most basic varieties of reds, like hearty Cabernet Sauvignon and Chile's famous fruity Merlots.

To celebrate International Merlot Day on November 7, here are some moderately priced merlots from varied regions, each with their own characteristics...

But good merlot doesn't have to cost the earth and New World countries like Chile are pumping out many fine merlots at relatively modest prices.

From intense and supple to fruit bombs, with tannins running from soft to firm, the merlots the panel selected demonstrate the varietal's full spectrum.

Now comes the news that the Hitching Post Winery, house brand for the same-named Santa Barbara wine country restaurant, the scene of all that anti-Merlot invective in "Sideways;" a label famous for its lineup of twelve different Pinot Noir bottlings, has released two different Merlots: a 2004 from the Westerly vineyard and a 2005 from Alisos vineyard.