Berry Merlot

Read all about it…. Berry Merlot’s historical and current significance in today’s world of tea!

Merlot has long been one of the world’s best loved wine varietals. The grape gets its name from an old Occitan word meaning “young blackbird”, in reference to the grape’s dark blue color. But. While Merlot is often noted for its smooth character, its recent history has been anything but! Let’s we rewind a bit into history…. Grown in France since at least the 1700s, (the grape is first mentioned in the writings of a Bordeaux official in 1784), Merlot enjoyed a favourable position amongst vintners for centuries. In 1965 however, all that would change. That year, France experienced one of the harshest winters in history, including a deep freezing that killed off many of the country’s merlot vines. Naturally, come spring, vineyards began replanting with the hope of reviving their Merlot crop. Sadly, wine tragedy struck again when a widespread ground rot killed off many of its recently replanted vines. As with any serious wine problem in France, the government stepped in, issuing a country-wide ban on Merlot planting that remained in place until 1975. Quelle horreur!

SUPPORT IMMUNE SYSTEM – Elderberry polyphenols found to defend the immune system by increasing the number of white blood cells. White blood cells are the cells of the immune system that are involved in protecting the body against both infectious disease and foreign invaders.

FIGHTS HARMFUL BACTERIA – Elderberries have been found to inhibit the growth of bacteria and may improve symptoms of sinusitis and bronchitis.

ANTIVIRAL COLD AND FLU PROPERTIES – Studies show that compounds from elderberries can directly inhibit the virus’s entry and replication in human cells, and can help strengthen a person’s immune response to the virus.

La Voilà – Berry Merlot – a well balanced and a super good for your cup of tea!