Merlot

Beef Wellington's luxurious combination of tender beef tenderloin, rich mushroom duxelles, and buttery puff pastry creates a dish of exceptional depth that calls for beverages with equal complexity. The high fat content and savory umami flavors pair wonderfully with tannic red wines that can cut through the richness, while malt-forward beers with caramel notes complement the browned pastry and earthy mushrooms.

Beef bourguignon is a classic French stew featuring beef braised in red wine with mushrooms, onions, carrots, and bacon, creating deep, complex flavors. The rich umami notes and tender texture of this dish call for wines with good acidity and structure to cut through the richness, while complementary earthy notes enhance the mushroom and beef components.

Beef tenderloin, with its tender texture and rich, buttery flavor profile, pairs wonderfully with full-bodied red wines that have firm tannins to cut through the meat's richness. The dish's luxurious mouthfeel also works beautifully with malty beers that offer caramel notes to complement the meat's natural sweetness while providing enough body to stand up to this substantial protein.

Coq au Vin is a classic French dish featuring chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms, bacon, onions, and herbs, creating a rich, complex flavor profile. The earthy, fruity wines complement the wine-infused sauce, while the suggested beer styles offer malty sweetness and subtle acidity to balance the dish's richness.

Duck breast is a rich, fatty protein with a distinctive gamey quality that pairs beautifully with wines offering bright acidity and subtle fruit notes to cut through the richness. The caramelized skin and medium-rare flesh create a textural and flavor contrast that works wonderfully with medium-bodied reds that have enough structure without overwhelming the delicate meat.

Herb-crusted lamb chops feature the distinctive gamey flavor of lamb complemented by aromatic herbs that add complexity and earthiness. The savory crust forms a textural contrast while enhancing the meat's natural flavors, creating a dish that balances richness with herbal brightness.

Herb-crusted rack of lamb presents robust, savory flavors with aromatic herb notes and a rich, succulent meat character. The ideal pairings balance the dish's richness while complementing its herbaceous qualities and distinctive lamb flavor without overwhelming its elegant presentation.

Herb-roasted duck breast presents a luxurious combination of rich, gamey meat with aromatic herbs that enhance its natural flavors. The medium-fatty nature of duck breast with its crispy skin and succulent meat requires beverages that can balance the richness while complementing the herbaceous notes.

Rack of lamb with mint sauce is a classic combination of rich, gamey meat balanced by the bright, herbaceous quality of mint. The savory depth of lamb finds harmony in full-bodied red wines with structure and fruit-forward profiles, while the herbal mint sauce creates interesting interplay with wines possessing subtle herbal notes.

Medium-aged cheeses exhibit a balanced flavor profile that bridges the gap between fresh and aged varieties, displaying developed complexity while maintaining approachable creaminess. This versatile category pairs well with wines offering moderate structure and acidity to complement the cheese's richness, while beers with malt-forward character and moderate hop bitterness provide harmonious contrasts.

Pasta Bolognese features a rich, meaty sauce with deep tomato flavors and savory umami notes that benefit from beverages with enough structure to stand up to its hearty profile while offering complementary fruit and acidity. Italian red wines like Sangiovese cut through the richness with acidity while providing earthy notes that enhance the sauce, while malt-forward beers with caramel notes complement the savory meat and tomato flavors.

Pork tenderloin is a lean, tender cut with subtle flavor that benefits from pairings that enhance without overwhelming. Medium-bodied wines with bright fruit notes complement the meat's savory qualities, while beers with malt-forward profiles and moderate carbonation cut through the protein while highlighting its natural sweetness.

Forget everything that movie made you think about Merlot – this Cannonball expression shows exactly why the variety deserves your love and attention. Plush, fruity, and utterly drinkable, it's the wine equivalent of your favorite broken-in jeans – comfortable but still looking good. Cannonball's playful label (featuring a kid doing a cannonball jump into water) perfectly captures their wine philosophy – fun, approachable, and guaranteed to make a splash. This Sonoma County Merlot offers the perfect balance of New World fruit expression and elegant structure. It's soft enough to enjoy on its own but has enough backbone to pair beautifully with food. This bottle makes a strong case for the Merlot comeback tour – and at this price, you'll want a front-row seat.

Chateau La Freynelle proves that good Bordeaux doesn't have to cost a fortune or require decades in your cellar. This right-bank style blend leads with Merlot, creating a wine that's friendly and accessible right out of the gate – no decanting required (though it certainly wouldn't hurt). The Barthe family has been making wine here since 1789, which means they've had plenty of time to figure out what works. Their Bordeaux Rouge hits that perfect balance between traditional character and modern drinkability. It's like the ideal dinner guest – sophisticated enough to impress but not so demanding that it steals focus from the food or conversation. For those intimidated by the sometimes stuffy world of Bordeaux, this is an excellent entry point that delivers authentic regional character without the pretension or price tag of more famous châteaux.

Château Lamothe Bordeaux Rouge Madame Étienne is a classic Bordeaux blend offering approachable drinking with characteristic regional expression. This wine balances fruit-forward notes with subtle earthiness and structure typical of Bordeaux reds.

Sofos (meaning 'wise one' in Greek) brings together international varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with Greece's noble Agiorgitiko grape to create something truly distinctive. This blend represents the best of both worlds – the familiar structure of Bordeaux varieties with the Mediterranean character that only Greek terroir can provide. Domaine Gioulis cultivates their vineyards at high elevation (850 meters) in the Peloponnese, where cool nights balance warm days to create wines with both ripeness and freshness. Their commitment to organic farming and minimal intervention allows the unique character of this mountainous region to shine through. What's particularly impressive is how they've managed to create a wine that feels simultaneously familiar and exotic – recognizable dark fruit notes are complemented by distinctly Greek herbal and olive nuances. For those looking to venture beyond the usual wine regions without completely abandoning their comfort zone, this bottle offers the perfect balance of discovery and accessibility.

Esprit de Pavie offers a rare opportunity to experience the pedigree of Château Pavie – one of Saint-Émilion's most prestigious estates – without the three-digit price tag. This 'second wine' is crafted with the same attention to detail as the grand vin but from younger vines and plots that don't quite make the cut for the flagship bottling. What makes this Bordeaux special is its impressive balance of power and elegance. The Merlot-dominant blend (typical of Saint-Émilion) provides plush fruit and velvety texture, while Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon add structure and complexity. Château Pavie has been producing exceptional wines since the Roman era, and this bottling captures the essence of their terroir and winemaking philosophy. It's the vinous equivalent of getting backstage passes to a sold-out show – a behind-the-scenes look at one of Bordeaux's superstars that most wine lovers can actually afford to experience.

With a name like 'Oh La Vache!' (French for 'Holy Cow!'), this Bordeaux signals right away that it doesn't take itself too seriously – despite coming from one of the world's most prestigious wine regions. Famille Bouey has been crafting wines in Bordeaux since 1821, but this modern bottling shows their playful side. What makes this wine special is how it breaks down the stuffy image of Bordeaux and delivers a fruit-forward, approachable red that's ready to drink now – no cellar required. The traditional Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc provides classic structure and flavor, but with an emphasis on immediate enjoyment rather than long aging. It's the vinous equivalent of casual Friday – all the quality you expect but without the stuffiness. Perfect for those intimidated by Bordeaux's reputation or longtime fans looking for an everyday option that won't break the bank. The label might make you smile, but the quality inside will make you say, well... 'Oh La Vache!'

South African Merlot doesn't always get the attention it deserves, but HPF's Posmeester (meaning 'Postmaster' in Afrikaans) is making a strong case for why that should change. From the renowned Stellenbosch region, this bottle delivers everything you want from quality Merlot – plush fruit, silky texture, and enough complexity to keep things interesting. Hermanuspietersfontein (try saying that after a glass or two) is known for both their tongue-twisting name and their commitment to expressing South Africa's unique terroir. This Merlot strikes that perfect balance between Old World restraint and New World fruit expression. It's a wine that's serious without being stuffy, approachable without being simple. Perfect for those nights when you want something reliable but not boring – like the wine equivalent of your favorite book that you can return to again and again.

The CMS in this blend stands for Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah – a Washington State twist on the classic Bordeaux blend with a touch of Rhône influence thrown in for good measure. This combination works beautifully in Washington's Columbia Valley, where all three varieties thrive and complement each other perfectly. Hedges Family Estate has been a pioneer in Washington wine country, helping to establish the Red Mountain AVA and championing sustainable viticulture practices. Their CMS blend is a perfect introduction to what makes Washington reds so special – the structure of Cabernet, the plushness of Merlot, and the spicy depth of Syrah create a wine that's greater than the sum of its parts. This bottle consistently delivers impressive quality for the price, making it a smart choice for everything from Tuesday night pizza to weekend dinner parties.

If you've never had Slovenian red wine before, Krasno's Rdeče (pronounced something like 'red-cheh,' for those attempting to sound knowledgeable) is an excellent place to start. From the Goriška Brda region – which shares more than just a border with Italy's Friuli – comes this approachable Bordeaux-style blend. The combination of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grown in Slovenia's distinctive terroir creates a wine that's familiar yet unique – like meeting someone new who somehow feels like an old friend. There's a freshness and vibrancy here that sets it apart from many similarly priced Bordeaux blends, making it exceptionally food-friendly. It's the perfect bottle to bring to dinner parties when you want to seem worldly and interesting without being that person who only drinks obscure natural wines from unpronounceable regions.

Ever since that movie (you know the one) unfairly maligned Merlot, the grape has been working on its comeback tour – and bottles like this from La Playa make a strong case for why we should all be drinking more of it. From Chile's Colchagua Valley comes this textbook example of what makes Merlot so appealing when it's done right. This wine delivers exactly what you want from good Merlot: generous fruit, smooth texture, and enough complexity to keep things interesting without demanding too much attention. It's the wine equivalent of that friend who's always pleasant to be around – reliable, approachable, and genuinely enjoyable without trying too hard. Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or anytime you want a red that's going to play nice with a wide range of foods and people.

With a name like 'Horseshoes and Handgrenades,' this wine isn't trying to be subtle – and thankfully, it doesn't need to be. Created by André Hueston Mack (former sommelier at The French Laundry and Per Se), this blend embodies his playful, rule-breaking approach to winemaking. This red blend brings together the best of Washington and Oregon fruit, combining Syrah's peppery intensity with the structure of Bordeaux varieties. It's a wine that's serious about quality while refusing to take itself too seriously – kind of like that friend who can quote Shakespeare one minute and make terrible puns the next. The name comes from the phrase 'close only counts in horseshoes and handgrenades,' but there's nothing 'almost' about how delicious this wine is. Perfect for when you want something with personality that'll please both wine geeks and casual sippers alike.

The mysterious '00017' in the name? That's the postal code of Montefalco, the heart of Umbria where Marco Merli crafts his exceptional wines. This bottle represents a beautiful marriage between Sangiovese's Italian soul and Merlot's plush accessibility – think of it as tradition with just the right touch of international flair. Marco Merli is part of the new generation of Umbrian winemakers bringing deserved attention to this region that's often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Tuscany. Working with sustainable practices and traditional methods, he creates wines that speak authentically of their origin while remaining thoroughly enjoyable to drink. This Rosso Umbria delivers the kind of honest, food-friendly character that makes Italian wines so beloved, with enough complexity to keep things interesting from first sip to last. Perfect for when you want to venture beyond the usual suspects of Italian wine.

Mary Taylor's partnership with Jean Marc brings us this authentic Bordeaux rouge – not from a fancy château with a three-digit price tag, but the kind of honest, regional wine that locals actually drink. This bottle represents the true essence of Bordeaux without the marketing premium. Jean Marc's traditional approach to the classic Bordeaux blend creates a wine that's accessible yet still shows the regional character that made this area famous. The balance of Merlot's plush fruit, Cabernet Sauvignon's structure, and Cabernet Franc's aromatic complexity delivers a thoroughly enjoyable experience that pairs beautifully with a wide range of foods. Mary Taylor's mission of bringing authentic regional wines directly to consumers means you're getting genuine Bordeaux quality without paying for elaborate packaging or prestigious appellations. It's like having a direct line to the everyday wines that Bordeaux families keep for themselves – honest, satisfying, and remarkably good value.

Millet Côtes de Gascogne Rouge La Cloche is a fruit-forward red blend from the Gascony region of Southwest France. This approachable wine showcases the regional character with balanced acidity and soft tannins, making it an excellent everyday drinking option.

With a name that translates roughly to 'bone skin,' Pielihueso isn't trying to blend in with the crowd. This distinctive red blend from the Los Sauces vineyard in Mendoza showcases what happens when traditional Bordeaux varieties find their expression in Argentina's high-altitude terroir. The combination of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot creates a wine that's both familiar and surprising – recognizable components coming together to create something uniquely Argentine. Pielihueso represents the new wave of Argentine winemaking that looks beyond just Malbec to create wines with complexity and character. This is the kind of bottle that makes you reconsider what you think you know about South American wines – and at this price point, it's a risk well worth taking.

No, it's not named after the James Bond film – though this Washington State blend is certainly licensed to thrill. Skyfall Red Blend comes from the Columbia Valley, where dramatic temperature shifts between day and night create perfect conditions for developing complex flavors in grapes. This Merlot-dominant blend brings together the best characteristics of each varietal: the smoothness of Merlot, structure of Cabernet, and spicy depth of Syrah. The result is a crowd-pleasing red that's versatile enough for weeknight dinners but interesting enough for special occasions. Unlike 007's martini, this one's definitely better swirled, not shaken.

This Bordeaux Supérieur delivers exactly what the 'Supérieur' designation promises – a step up from basic Bordeaux without requiring a second mortgage. From the right bank of Bordeaux, this Merlot-dominant blend embodies the approachable side of the world's most famous wine region. Château St-Bernard crafts a wine that respects tradition while remaining accessible to modern palates. It's got enough of that classic Bordeaux character – think pencil shavings, subtle earthiness, and restrained fruit – to satisfy the purists, but with a friendlier, more approachable structure than its fancier cousins. Perfect for those nights when you want to feel a bit sophisticated without the pressure of decanting something precious from 1982.