Mezzek Merlot 2021

From Mezzek in Bulgaria, this dry red wine is built around Merlot from the 2021 vintage. Merlot is a widely grown red grape valued for its soft, supple texture and approachable plum and black-cherry fruit, making it one of the most easy-drinking reds. Bulgaria has a long wine history and a cast of native grapes, making characterful, great-value reds and whites. Pour it with weeknight pasta, roast chicken or a cheese plate and you're golden. Pop it open at cool room temperature — a brief chill on a hot day doesn't hurt.