Merlot Wines
By Chris • Apr 29th, 2008 • Category: Grape Varieties
Merlot is noted for being a red wine that’s easy to drink. This makes it a good choice for people who normally drink white wines and are looking for an easy introduction to red wines.
The main characteristic of merlot is that it’s smooth, silky and soft. The flavours are similar to cabernet sauvignon with plums, berries, redcurrants and cherries being prominent. The taste isn’t as distinctive as cabernet sauvignon. It’s a simpler mid-palate wine. It also has lower natural acidity which gives it the fruity, softer feel.
Merlot is excellent with food especially roast meats, pasta and cheese.
It’s most famous in Bordeaux in France where it originated. Merlot is the most widely planted grape in the Bordeaux area.
In Australia, merlot is grown in every region and is the third variety in terms of production volume after shiraz and cabernet sauvignon.
It’s very popular in blends particularly blended with cabernet sauvignon and is exported in large quantities.
When drinking merlot, serve slightly below room temperature. It doesn’t want to be too warm so it might be better to cool in the fridge for 15 minutes or so.
