It’s International Merlot Day and at Brasserie Blanc there’s no better way to mark it than with a glass of something plummy, soft and easy to love, poured alongside a plate that makes the most of it.

On 7th November 2026, we’re raising a glass to the grape that’s all about generosity.

Why We Love Merlot

Merlot is the friendly face of the red wine world. Ripe, rounded and gently textured, it welcomes everyone to the table, from the curious newcomer to the seasoned wine lover.

Pinot Noir may be Raymond’s favourite, but he has a soft spot for something richer when the weather turns. As he puts it, “Occasionally, when I’m cold, I like rich Bordeaux.”

Early November is exactly that moment. Come with us and let’s warm up together.

The Merlot Wines Waiting For You At Brasserie Blanc

We have four ways to celebrate, so there’s a glass (or a bottle) for every mood. From our wine menu:

• Le Tuffeau Merlot, Languedoc: ripe black plum, damson and elderberry, with soft tannins and a gentle freshness that keeps every sip lively. The Foncalieu growers are passionate about biodiversity, and even leave trees and hedges around their vineyards as shelter for bats, who keep the vine-munching insects in check. Find it by the glass, carafe or bottle.
• Château Maris Merlot/Syrah: a spicy, peppery blend with warming red fruits and a long, lingering finish. It’s organic too, from a pioneer who began growing organic and biodynamic wine at Château Maris in 1997. Find it by the bottle.
• Saint-Émilion Château Gachon, Bordeaux: sculpted and elegant, with a fresh finish. Saint-Émilion is Merlot country, and this is a lovely way to taste why. Find it by the glass, carafe or bottle.
• Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Château Louvie, Bordeaux: as comforting as relaxing in a favoured leather armchair. This is the one to linger over on a chilly evening. Find it by the bottle.

Perfect Pairings From Our Menu

Merlot’s soft tannins and plummy fruit make it a wonderfully flexible partner, so a few dishes on our menu are practically made for it.

• Travers de Boeuf Confits: our 12-hour slow-cooked beef short rib is deeply savoury and tender, served with braised chestnut, swede and celery. Merlot’s ripe plum fruit sits beautifully alongside it.
• Sirloin, Filet de Boeuf or Pavé de Rumsteck: a classic steak and red wine moment. Add a Pepper sauce or Café de Paris and the soft tannins do the rest.
• Cuisse de Lapin Confite: confit rabbit leg with sauce moutarde, bacon and creamy mash. The wine’s dark fruit loves its gentle richness.
• Plateau de Charcuterie, Saint-Marcellin au Four: a joyful one to share, with prosciutto, salami Milano, coppa and baked St Marcellin. Pour a glass and pass the baguette.
• Pithivier aux Topinambours, Châtaignes et Champignons: for something meat free, the Jerusalem artichoke, chestnut and mushroom pithivier with truffle jus is earthy and comforting, and a soft, fruity Merlot suits it beautifully.
• Feuilletine au Chocolat: chocolate feuilletine with praline anglaise and griotine cherries. Plum, cherry and chocolate are old friends, so this is a lovely way to finish.

Join Us on 7th November

So come and toast the grape that’s all about generosity. Whether Merlot is your usual order or you’re meeting it for the first time, we’ll have a glass waiting and a table ready to welcome you. Santé, and we’ll see you at ours.