Occhioverde Merlot
Occhioverde Merlot: an easy going red for the everyday table
The story behind Occhioverde
Occhioverde is a value priced Italian red label, and Merlot is the softest, most forgiving grape in its small lineup. Merlot ripens early and makes a round, plummy wine with gentle tannin, which is why it turns up all over northern Italy and why it works so well as an everyday bottle. We do not have a verified estate or village for this label, so we will not invent one. What we can tell you is what the glass does.
The house style is straightforward and dry, fruit forward without being sweet, with enough acidity to sit at dinner rather than fight it. We have poured wines like this for decades because customers come back for a red they can open on a Tuesday. Occhioverde fits that slot, and the price keeps it there.
Explore the Occhioverde range
Three reds under the Occhioverde label, all at the same price, each doing a different job at the table.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occhioverde Merlot 750mL | Red wine, Merlot | 750mL | Round plum fruit, soft tannin, dry finish |
| Occhioverde Malbec 750mL | Red wine, Malbec | 750mL | Darker fruit, a little more grip |
| Occhioverde Syrah 750mL | Red wine, Syrah | 750mL | Peppery, savory, firm enough for grilled meat |
Which Occhioverde is right for you?
All three Occhioverde reds sit at $14.99 for a 750mL bottle, which is the kind of pricing that lets you keep a couple on hand without thinking about it. Merlot at that number is the safe pick for a house red, Malbec brings more weight, and Syrah gives you the savory edge for grilled food. Buy a mixed three and you have most of the week covered. Stock moves, so call ahead if you want a specific bottle held.
Soft enough for tomato sauce, cheap enough to open without a reason.
Pepper and grip stand up to charred meat and smoke.
Darker fruit pleases a crowd and holds up to cold cuts.