Merlot – Because Don and Connie aren’t the only ones who like it!
Author: Randy // Category: Party Wine, Wine Stories, Wine Tips
When Cabernet Sauvignon is just be too big, Shiraz too peppery, and Pinot Noir too light, Merlot can be the perfect wine. Forget what Miles from Sideways says – Merlot can have the concentration of fruit, without having overbearing tannins, spice, or minerality.
Arguably the red wine of the early 1990s, Merlot came out of practically nowhere to become America’s favorite easy-drinking red from California. But then, wine drinkers began getting a taste for a wider range of red wine, leaving Merlot by the wayside. Thankfully, California Merlot producers haven’t stopped production of this supple varietal, and it has began making a comeback. Some believe simply that when Americans started turning to red wines for their heart-healthy implications, soft, plummy Merlot seemed to fit the bill. It doesn’t hurt that Merlot is as easy on the pocketbook as it is on the palate.
Ranging from lighter purple to a deep, dark, purplish red, New World Merlots are usually nicely fruit-forward. Their plum flavors and soft, velvety textures make these wines an easy-drinking, much-loved sip. You might also find some oak, vanilla, and spice as you swirl and savor. French and Italian Merlots generally show a little more earthiness and bite.
The most famous Merlots hail from Bordeaux, where the grape has always been used as a blending partner, adding suppleness to more muscular Cabernet Sauvignon. Pomerol is among the most famous of the Merlot-based Bordeaux blends. In the New World, tasty examples come from Australia, Washington State, and Long Island as well.
Merlot’s middle-of-the-road character makes it a comfortable choice when entertaining, and it can be enjoyed with a wide range of foods, including pork, turkey, burgers, and veggie dishes. Then again, the smooth texture also makes it easy to enjoy on its own.
P.S. As a side note, I was just reading about some vines in Chile that were long considered to be Merlot, and turned out to be Carmenere – a little seen, ancient grape from Bordeaux. Carmenere looks like Merlot, grows like Merlot, even tastes like Merlot, and is now appearing on more labels each year. You should definitely give this wine a try if you’re a Merlot fan.
Tags: Bordeaux Blend, california merlot, carmenere, chilean merlot, Merlot, Pinot Noir, shiraz, soft wine
August 15th, 2009 at 12:15 am
[...] When Cabernet Sauvignon is just be too big, Shiraz too peppery, and Pinot Noir too light, Merlot can be the perfect wine. Forget what Miles from Sideways says – Merlot can have the concentration of fruit, without having overbearing tannins, spice, or minerality. Arguably the red wine of the early 1990s, Merlot came out of practically nowhere to become America’s favorite easy-drinking red from California. But then, wine drinkers began getting a taste for a wider range of red wine, leaving M View post: Merlot – Because Don and Connie aren’t the only ones who like it! [...]