Badger Mountain NSA Merlot

Badger Mountain NSA Merlot is a no-sulfites-added organic Merlot from Washington's Columbia Valley, bottled at 13% ABV in a 750ml format. Produced by the first certified organic winery in Washington State, this wine earned a Gold medal at the 2024 Oregon Wine Awards and a Silver at the 2023 San Diego International Wine Competition — strong validation for an NSA bottling in a category where quality options remain scarce.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley AVA, Washington  |  Style: No Sulfites Added (NSA), Organic  |  Producer: Badger Mountain Vineyard

Production & Heritage

Badger Mountain Vineyard, located in Kennewick, Washington, became the state's first certified organic winery in 1990. The NSA Merlot is a Merlot-dominant blend — typically around 95% Merlot with a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, though the exact composition shifts by vintage (the 2018 release, for example, incorporated Syrah and Malbec). The wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation and sees French oak treatment, resulting in a rounder, softer profile than many young reds. Critically, the NSA designation means fewer than 10 parts per million of naturally occurring sulfites — no sulfites are added at any stage of production, making this one of a very small number of American wines produced entirely without preservatives.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with deep cherry and raspberry, followed by layers of currant and pomegranate. A subtle eucalyptus edge adds an unexpected lift beneath the fruit.

Taste: The entry is smooth and fruit-forward, with black cherry and black currant dominating the early palate. Mid-palate, dark chocolate and molasses emerge alongside a touch of baking spice. Medium tannins and balanced acidity give the wine structure without heaviness, and the mouthfeel stays round and soft throughout.

Finish: The finish runs long, with sweet dark fruit tapering into warm earth and lingering baking spice. It fades gently without any harsh edges — a hallmark of the completed malolactic fermentation.

How to Drink NSA Merlot

Serve at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with a brief 15-minute decant to let the fruit aromatics open fully. This is a versatile red that drinks well on its own or alongside food.

• Classic Red Sangria: The ripe dark fruit and soft tannins dissolve seamlessly into citrus and brandy.
• Kalimotxo: The wine's round sweetness and low astringency make it a surprisingly good match for cola in this Basque classic.
• Mulled Wine: Baking spice notes already present in the wine complement cinnamon, clove, and star anise without competing.

Best For

• Sulfite-sensitive wine drinkers seeking a reliable organic red
• Weeknight dinners where a soft, approachable Merlot fits the table
• Introducing someone to natural and organic wines without a steep price commitment
• Building a health-conscious home bar or wine collection

Frequently Asked Questions

What does NSA Merlot taste like? It delivers ripe black cherry, black currant, and dark chocolate with baking spice accents and a soft, round mouthfeel. Medium tannins and balanced acidity keep it structured but very approachable.

How does NSA Merlot compare to Badger Mountain NSA Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are organic, no-sulfites-added wines from the same Columbia Valley producer at a similar price tier. The NSA Merlot tends toward softer tannins and darker fruit sweetness, while the NSA Cabernet Sauvignon typically shows firmer structure and more pronounced herbal notes.

Is NSA Merlot good for sipping neat? Yes — the soft tannins, round mouthfeel, and fruit-forward profile make it one of the more enjoyable NSA wines to drink on its own, especially at cellar temperature with a short decant.

Where is NSA Merlot made? Badger Mountain NSA Merlot is produced by Badger Mountain Vineyard in Kennewick, Washington, within the Columbia Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA). The Columbia Valley's warm days and cool nights are well-suited to Merlot production.

What foods pair well with NSA Merlot? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's dark fruit and spice. Mushroom risotto mirrors its earthy undertones. Dark chocolate desserts echo the mid-palate cocoa character. Roasted beet salad works with the wine's berry core. Aged Gouda bridges the fruit and baking spice notes nicely.

What sizes does NSA Merlot come in? Badger Mountain NSA Merlot is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is NSA Merlot worth the price? It positions firmly in the entry-level tier for organic wines, yet it punches above its weight — a Gold medal at the Oregon Wine Awards and consistent critical scores around 84–86 points place it among the best values in the no-sulfites-added category.

Why NSA Merlot?

The American NSA wine market remains remarkably thin; only a handful of domestic producers bottle without any added sulfites, and fewer still maintain certified organic status on top of that. Badger Mountain has been doing both since 1990, giving them over three decades of experience dialing in a category most wineries avoid. The Gold medal at the 2024 Oregon Wine Awards confirms that the current vintage is performing at a high level. For anyone who wants an organic, preservative-free red that actually delivers ripe fruit, balanced structure, and genuine complexity, this Merlot is one of the most proven options on the shelf.