Fetzer’s Merlot offers an everyday wine that fits
well with a variety of food choices. The wine itself was a strong purchase for
under $10 per bottle. I was pleased with the quality and unlike many of the
brands I have tried there is a high potential that I would purchase this wine
again. Of course, that does not mean I found the “perfect” wine but it does mean
that Fetzer’s Merlot was of sufficient quality and taste to make it a
recommendation for daily use.
Merlot is generally a light and fruity brand. In particular,
Fetzer has a slightly higher pitched aftertaste even though the wine is smooth
in its contour. Merlot is much softer and subtler in taste than Cabernet
Sauvignon. It provides for an excellent choice for those who do not want to
pucker. Such wine is drier than other varieties and has lower tannin levels
that encourage this smoothness.
Since it is lighter to the senses it also goes well
with lighter tasting foods that do not overpower it. It pairs well with a
variety of different foods such as hamburgers, pork, chicken, cheese, meat that
includes mushrooms and garlic. Merlot does not pair well with vegetables and it
should be avoided when eating heavily out of this food group.
Fetzer offers the varieties of Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon
Blanc, Chardonnay, White Zinfandel, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Mascato, Pinot
Noir, Shiraz, Malbec, Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each of these
wines a slightly different taste and texture based in its berry selection and
fermentation process. You may read about each of the wines on their site at
http://www.fetzer.com
The vineyard was originally founded in 1968 in
Mendocino County California. It was part of a family owned business that was
bought out by Brown-Foreman Corporation. They would test their grapes and
productions within small gardens and if the quality was strong they would
expand this experimental process to other parts of their vineyard.
Fetzer prides itself on its sustainable business
practices. They have reduced their landfill waste by 95% while still providing
a strong wine. Such sustainable products are a positive aspect of some
companies that seek to raise their public impression while still maintaining an
economically viable product. Reducing waste, pollution, and other causes of a
depleting environment is a responsible business approach.
