Merlot (France)

Merlot is a red wine grape from Bordeaux in France.

New to red wine? Start with Merlot!

Merlot Flavors

Raspberry, Black Cherry, Plum, Tobacco and Vanilla are typical Merlot flavors.

Raspberry

Black
Cherry

Plum

Blackberry

Blueberry

Violets

Herbs

Pepper

Tertiary Flavors from Aging:

Vanilla

Coffee

Chocolate

Tobacco

Merlot Profile

Merlot is a medium wine with medium tannins and acidity:

BODY:	Medium - Plus

TANNINS:	Medium

FRUIT:	Medium

ACIDITY:	Medium - Plus

ALCOHOL:	13-14%

	Serving temperature: 14-15°C (57-59°F) Oaked 16-18°C (61-64°F)

Merlot Food Pairing

Merlot goes well with a wide variety of food.

Sipped alone is a wonderful meditation wine.

Finger Food

Pizza

Hamburger

Ham

Casseroles

Pasta

Mushroom

Chicken

Rabbit

Pork

Lamb

Veal

Excellent Pairing

French Cuisine. Italian Dishes (Tomato Based).
Pizza. Baked Pasta. Lasagna.
Spaghetti Meatballs. Hamburger.
Fried or Grilled Mushrooms.
Casseroles. Beef Stew.
Veal Chops. Wiener Schnitzel.
Meatloaf. Beef Wellington.
BBQ. Chicken. Pork. Rabbit.
Roasted Lamb. Lamb Chops. Lamb Shank.
Red Meat Dishes.

The Ideal Glass for Merlot

The Bordeaux Glass was designed for enjoying fuller-bodied, tannic red wines. They are taller than other red wine glasses, and has a slimmer bowl.

The tall size allows the bouquet of the wine to develop, smooth out rough edges, play down tannins, and allow the wine to achieve balance.

The slimmer bowl directs the wine to the back of your mouth for a maximum taste.

Merlot Cheese Pairing

Cantal

Cheddar

Dry Jack

Manchego

Parmesan

Pecorino

If You Like Merlot

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Merlot (France)

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Primitivo (Italy)

Ribeira Sacra (Spain)

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (Italy)

Zinfandel (USA)

Merlot in France

The best Merlots comes from France.

Merlot is the most planted grape in Bordeaux where it was born.

Best known areas / regions:

Pomerol
Saint Émilion

The best Merlots are produced in Pomerol in Bordeaux, where the soil makes wines with more flavor and complexity than usual. The neighboring area of Saint Émilion uses more Cabernet Franc in the mix, and lighter wines are made here than in Pomerol.

Merlot in USA

Merlot is an important grape in California where the weather makes the grapes ripen fully.

Best known areas / regions:

Napa Valley
Sonoma

Miles in the movie "Sideways" did not like Merlot, but many other Americans do, since it is the second most planted grape in USA and it is vinified both blended with Cabernet Sauvignon (called Bordeaux Blend) or 100% Merlot grapes.

Americans love Merlot because it is soft on tannins, fruity and easy to drink with or without food. But, above all, it pairs well with American Cuisine and generally with umami, savory food. It can even pair with fish!