Dan’s Harvest East End Countdown: Merlot

In the oenophile-favorite film Sideways, Paul Giammatti’s character Miles pulls out his favorite bottle, which, despite earlier claims to the contrary, just happens to be a Merlot. There’s a reason Merlot is so ubiquitous across the United States—it gives off a sweet, smooth taste that drives drinkers wild. And just as it is in the broader world, this delightful varietal will be very well represented at Dan’s Harvest East End, the ultimate celebration of East End wine and the final Dan’s Taste of Summer event this year.

Merlot is a sweet, smooth red wine that is usually used for blending. And Harvest East End is serving some of the best Merlot Long Island has to offer. See for yourself by joining the fun, and host Geoffrey Zakarian, at McCall Vineyard on Saturday, August 20. Visit DansTaste.com now for tickets.

Here are some Merlot options guests will enjoy at the event.

Bedell Cellars
2014 Bedell Cellars First Crush Red – 75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc

Clovis Point Vineyards
2014 Merlot – 85% Merlot, 8% Cab Franc, 2% Malbec, 2% PV, 2% Syrah, 1% Cab Sauv

Croteaux Vineyards
2015 Merlot 3 Rosé – Merlot Clones 181, 314, 3
2015 Merlot Cuvée Sparkle – Merlot Clones 181, 314, 3

Diliberto Winery
2013 Merlot – 100% Merlot

Harbes Vineyard
2015 Semi Dry Rosé – 100% Merlot

RELATED: Dan’s Harvest East End Countdown: Chardonnay (nay, nay, nay…)

Martha Clara Vineyards
2013 Estate Reserve Merlot – 90% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot
2013 Malbec/Merlot – 51% Malbec, 49% Merlot

McCall Wines
2010 Merlot – 100% Merlot

Onabay Vineyards
2012 Great Blue Heron Merlot – 85% merlot 10% cab franc, 5% malbec, estate

Palmer Vineyards
2015 Rose Merlot – 100% Merlot
2014 Merlot – 100% Merlot

Pugliese Vineyards
2010 Merlot Reserve – 100% Merlot

Raphael Vineyard & Winery
2012 First Label Merlot – 100% Merlot

Gramercy Vineyards
2008 Merlot Reserve-100% Estate Grown Merlot
2007 Merlot Reserve- 100% Estate Grown Merlot

Sannino Bella Vita Vineyard
2015 Snow Merlot Rose – Merlot 100%

Scarola Vineyards
2011 Masseria Merlot – 100% Merlot

Sherwood House Vineyards
2010 Estate Merlot – “82% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc

Dan’s Harvest East End, the can’t-miss food and wine classic, rounds out the annual Dan’s Taste of Summer series on August 20 at McCall Vineyard and Ranch, 9325 New Suffolk Avenue, Cutchogue. For tickets and more information visit DansTaste.com.