Ste. Michelle Wine Estates (a division of Altria, a Fair360, formerly DiversityInc Noteworthy Company) launches a new range of wines inspired by the life story of their veteran Washington winemaker.
There’s an old saying in the wine industry: It takes a lot of beer to make good wine. Usually, this refers to the penchant for winemakers to enjoy a cold beer after a long day of tasting wine. In the case of veteran winemaker David “Merf” Merfeld, this saying rings true in more ways than one.
Launching this month, consumers can now enjoyMERF Winesin select markets including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, New York, Minnesota, Maryland, Hawaii, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Georgia, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. The wines are also now available to order onAmazon Wine. Sourced from Washington state’s Columbia Valley, MERF includes a Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. In the summer of 2018, MERF will expand distribution nationally.
Over the course of his career, Merf has made everything from high-scoring, high-octane Cabernets and Merlots to terroir-driven, single-vineyard Syrahs, but with MERF his goal was simply to make delicious, approachable wines that pair equally well with everyday foods and everyday life. “These are my interpretations of approachable and casual drinking wines,” said Merf. “These are the wines I want to drink when I am firing up my barbeque and spending time with friends, it’s as simple as that.”
TheMERF 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valleyis balanced, soft and approachable. With flavors of blackberry, vanilla and subtle spice notes this wine has silky tannins and a lasting finish. It is available for the suggested retail price of $13. TheMERF 2015 Chardonnay Columbia Valleyis smooth, rich and balanced. With flavors of fresh tropical fruits, honey, ripe citrus and vanilla, this wine has smooth oak notes with a crisp, complex finish. It is available for the suggested retail price of $11.
