Grape Notes: Merlot
The temperatures are cooler, the food is richer and the parties are hopping: It’s red wine season. This means it’s time to pop in your copy of the 2004 classic Sideways and cozy up with a glass of … Merlot. Full disclosure: I have not seen the movie Sideways, but I’ve heard enough to know that the movie gave Merlot a rather undeserved bad wrap. Merlot is a really fantastic grape, both as a single varietal and as part of a blend. It is typically used in Bordeaux blends, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
Color:
Merlot is mostly crimson with a bluish tint.
Tastes Like:
Merlot is a bit of a chameleon because it can easily be confused for Cabernet Sauvignon or Carmenère and can also taste dramatically different depending on where it is grown. Merlot grown in cooler climates has more savory, earthy flavors and grittier tannins. Warm-climate Merlot has bright juicy red fruits and softer tannins for a smoother finish. Fruiter Merlot goes well with charcuterie and grilled meats. Pair cool-climate Merlot with earthy greens, like chard and spinach or a nice grilled salmon.
Top Growing Regions:
Look for Merlot grown in France or Washington state. Both regions have cooler climates and yield wine with well-balanced acidity and gentle tannins. Italy, Romania, California, Chile, and Australia also produce quality Merlot.
Other Names:
Merlot can also be called Petit Merle, Vitraille, Crabutet Noir and Bigney.
Dinner Party Trivia —
Up until 1994, Chilean wine makers mistakenly sold wine made from the Carmenère grape as Merlot. These two grapes are easily mistaken because they both have medium body, red fruit flavors and soft velvety tannins. Merlot, however, tends to be less herbaceous and have less green pepper notes than Carmenère typically carries.
Try It:
DCanter A Wine Boutique has a wide selection of the many wine styles made from this popular grape. Here are a few options to get you started.
- Bright and Juicy: Porcupine Ridge Merlot (Boekenhoutskloof, South Africa)
- Earthy and Smooth: Hyatt Vineyards Merlot (Washington State, USA)
- In a Blend: Chateau Blouin Bordeaux Red (Bordeaux, France)
If you got something out of this article, please share and recommend it! For more sips of wine knowledge and tastes of enjoying life with wine, follow @dcanterwines and read more on www.medium.com/vyne-magazine.
