merlot

Our very own Kristy Korcz started a new OnSugar blog, Target Wine Club — a great way to explore new wines on a budget! First up: an Argentinean Malbec.

I half-expected this hybrid to kick me in the back of my palate on the way down (isn't that what bold malbecs are known for?), but it totally didn't. I was a little disappointed with the "fake" rubber cork (especially since this is an earth-friendly, fair trade vintage), but after a little investigation, it turns out it's probably better this way — my vino won't be "tainted" by all those natural fibers and junk. The bottle said it went well with grilled meats, which I can fully attest to, if by "grilled meats" you mean the heat and serve chicken nuggets from the frozen food aisle. Yum-o.

See her rating of this bottle and more importantly the price by reading more.

What's better than enjoying quality wine? Only, I'd argue, enjoying wine for a greater cause. Although wine auctions at charity benefits are one way to do it, there's an even easier way: get acquainted with a wine label that donates to various charities.

Take note of OneHope, a brand that aims to give back to different causes with the purchase of every wine bottle. I had the pleasure of meeting Jake Kloberdanz, the visionary behind the wine, who told me about his partnership with Robert Mondavi Jr., OneHope's various varietals, and the charitable efforts tied to each, from breast cancer to AIDS to a cause especially close to Jake's heart, autism.

My favorite? The light-bodied Merlot ($19), an almost fuchsia-hued treat that smelled of jalapeño peppers and evoked flavors of everything from jammy cherries to smoky cumin and green bell peppers. I was most shocked by its unlikely food pairing: a red gazpacho that brought out all the wine's fresh, light notes. It doesn't hurt that 50 percent of profits from each bottle go to AIDS/Lifecycle either. What do you think of OneHope and wines for charity in general?

If you're of the mindset that Merlot is a grape that's boring and not worth drinking, I've got a bottle that will change your way of thinking. Swanson (yes, it's a descendent of the company that makes the chicken broth!) Vineyard's 2006 Merlot is unlike any other Merlot I've tasted. It's easy to drink, yet complex with a rich berry aroma and deep ruby color. It's so delightfully well-balanced that upon first sip, I had no clue that I was drinking a Merlot. I paired it with pasta, but found that it's also enjoyable on its own. I highly recommend you seek it out!

Have you sipped any memorable Merlot recently?