By Laina Carter of McGrail Vineyards

Merlot, which is our Winemaker Mark Clarin’s favorite varietal, is the Bordeaux brother of Cabernet Sauvignon, but is often forgotten about and inexplicably doesn’t seem to have as great of a reputation as Cab. Since it’s Mark’s favorite varietal, Mark has made our Merlot liked he would make any of our Cabernets–big and delicious! This Merlot drinks like a Cab, but still has the Merlot characteristics that you can’t get from a Cabernet. Having been aged in a combination of new and experienced French oak, our Merlot has those rich, silky smooth tannins you’d expect from a gorgeous French oak barrel and is still big enough to stand up to a steak dinner. This wine tastes like luxury to me, but is still humble enough to be enjoyed on spring day, in both its price point and its drinkability.

I love our Merlot with a lean, but flavorful tri tip that can easily be thrown on the grill. Using a savory rub, work some spice and umami into your meat so the mouthfeel matches that of our Merlot. Enjoy it with an easy tomato, avocado, and corn salad, soft, buttery potatoes, and our 2015 McGrail Merlot for a full-on tasty summertime meal!

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Easy Grilled Tri Tip

Makes about 8 servings.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 lbs. tri tip, silver skin removed
• salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
• 3 tbsp. meat rub of choice (I used Five Marys Spice Seasoning Rub)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Season tri tip with rub of choice and allow to sit for at least one hour. Work rub into meat.
2. Heat grill on high. Liberally season tri tip with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Sear tri tip on each side for 6-8 minutes. Lower heat to low and flip meat over. Cook for 8-10 minutes on each side. Meat will be ready when the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat has reached 130 degrees F. Allow meat to rest for 10-20 minutes, then slice against the grain.
4. Store remaining tri tip in an airtight container for up to one week after preparing.
5. Enjoy with a bottle of 2015 McGrail Merlot, Picazo Vineyard!