Mascota Vineyards Unanime Merlot, 2018

Argentina is the largest wine producer in South America, best known for its versions of classic red wines including Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

Argentine wines are considered New World wines, but actually have a rich history dating back more than 400 years. Winemaking practices were spread throughout Argentina – much as they would be later, in California – by Spanish missionaries planting vines to ensure a supply of sacramental wines. Though the growing conditions around the Andes Mountains are high and dry, these settlers used and improved upon the natives' agricultural practice, which channeled melting snow and ice from the Andean peaks to irrigate the vineyards.

Winemakers love Merlot grapes because they are easy to grow and quick to ripen. Casual wine drinkers appreciate that Merlot wines can be soft and approachable, with delicious dark fruit flavors. In Merlot blends, the grapes add a moderating influence, providing measured tannins, soft texture, medium acidity and medium alcohol. Accordingly, Merlot balances the more rustic and herbaceous qualities of Cabernet Sauvignon, a frequent blending partner.

Merlot can also make complex, full-bodied and concentrated wines with grippy tannins and aging potential. Many connoisseurs consider the best Merlot wine to come from Bordeaux’s Right Bank, where the varietal predominates in wines from St.-Émilion, Pomerol and other renowned appellations. Merlot is also blended to excellent effect with the other red Bordeaux varieties, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.