Miki Gi Merlot 23

Here at the shop, we're on a never-ending hunt for super-tasty, reasonably priced wines made with integrity. The trouble is, most of the inexpensive wines you'll run across — especially the ones parked on the supermarket shelves — often lack even a whisper of terroir, authenticity, integrity, or real flavor. You can imagine how thrilled we were when the staff and I tasted Miki Gi Merlot from Francesco and Gianluca Salamon, and we realized we landed on another Tuesday Night winner!

The Salamon family's Nomalas Pinot Bianco and Pinot Grigio are top favorites among AWM customers and staff, and their Miki Gi Merlot is a welcome addition to that list. Every time we taste the wines from the Salamon family, I'm amazed by the high level of quality and integrity their wines offer at such a super reasonably low price. These wines are a perfect example of how local and global collaboration can bring terrific, value-driven wines from independent vignerons to our shop at prices typically seen in supermarkets.

Although the Veneto is most famous for Prosecco and the seductive Amarones of Valpolicella, other grape varietals have started to diversify the region's repertoire. Historically, the vineyards here focused on Glera, Garganega, Pinot Grigio, and Corvina, but Merlot has also found a promising niche in these sun-kissed Italian soils. Cradled by the Dolomites in the north and the Adriatic Sea in the south, the Veneto DOC provides an ideal setting for a broad range of grape varieties—Merlot included.

Within this vibrant viticultural vista, winemakers continue to experiment beyond the region's classic grapes, and the Salamon family is part of that pioneering spirit. In your glass, Miki Gi Merlot presents aromas of dark berries, subtle earthy notes, and a whisper of gentle spice, setting the stage for a satisfying balance of fruit and finesse on the palate. Smooth tannins glide into a finish teeming with plum, cherry, and just a hint of raspberry. And with a modest 12.5% alcohol level, you can easily enjoy a guilt-free second glass.

Hammond and I look forward to savoring this ruby-red Merlot throughout the winter months, and it'll certainly be a go-to for the porch and patio in the spring. It pairs beautifully with savory stews and ragouts and lighter red meat preparations, and it's lifted enough to complement chicken and pork from the pan or the grill. Miki Gi Merlot is a must-try if you're searching for a deliciously affordable Merlot with genuine character.