Mirlo Merlot 2024

When it comes to smooth, juicy reds wines with oodles of flavor, Spain always overdelivers. Mirlo Merlot from Cariñena, just southeast of Rioja, is no exception. It’s a silky-smooth, fruit-forward gem we can’t seem to get enough of.

Cariñena is one of Spain’s oldest winegrowing regions. Rocky soils, scorching hot days and cool evenings help grapes reach the peak of plush perfection.

But here’s the fun part about this bottling: Winemaker Javier Domeque only harvests grapes when the local blackbirds (mirlo in Spanish) start feasting. “They only eat the ripest grapes,” he says, “so when they start pecking, we start picking.”

Mirlo is everything you’d expect in a Merlot, with ripe fruit that makes it the very definition of drinkability. It practically bursts with plum, ripe cherry, summer berries and a subtle lift of herbs.

It’s made for easy evenings and casual gatherings with friends––just pour generously, and pair with anything from steak and burgers, to chicken and roasted vegetables.

Be quick to secure your share: A little bird told us this one’s going to fly.