Merlot is perhaps synonymous with red wine which is no surprise given that this grape variety is grown all over the world. This abundance makes for an affordable yet delicious wine. And best of all, Merlot pairs easily with a variety of meats, cheeses and pasta dishes. Gather your friends together for a wine club and learn more about this popular red wine.
Choosing Merlot for Wine Tasting
One of the wonderful things about Merlot is that it is so affordable. Price is not always an indicator of good wine. Price relates to availability generally, and just because a wine is widely available does not mean it’s not good. The converse is true as well; high price doesn’t always mean great wine. It’s just means there is less of it.
For this wine tasting, get two different bottles from California. Choose one priced under $20 and another more expensive bottle to see how price compares to flavor. Washington State is another big of producer of Merlot so try one or two from there as well. You may find a Merlot from other smaller wineries across the US which would also be interesting to try.
As always, in France wines are listed by region rather than grape variety. Merlot is grown in the Bordeaux region of France so look for a bottle from either the Saint Emilion or Pomerol subregion. French Merlot is a mixture of Merlot grapes and Cabernet Sauvignon so if the bottle indicates this, don’t worry. If the region and subregion are right, you have the right wine.
Food Pairings for Merlot
Merlot is an easy drinking, fruit forward wine that pairs easily with many types of food. Try grilled meats, roasts, meatloaf, sausage or wild game. Merlot is too heavy for white fish but try a heavier fish like tuna or salmon. Merlot is a medium weight wine so choose foods of the same weight such a pasta dish with tomato sauce. One caution is that too much spice, such as Mexican or Thai cuisine, will bring out the alcohol in Merlot losing the wonderfully fruity flavor the wine is known for.
- Appetizers: Olives, salami, prosciutto, pancetta, bacon, parmesan, Gouda, cheddar or smoked provolone, mushrooms.
- Main dish: Filet mignon, pork tenderloin, chicken parmesan or marsala, roast, meatloaf, sausage, lamb, wild game, pasta with tomato sauce.
- Desserts: Cherries, dark berries, chocolate.
Use the list of ingredients above to guide you in choosing dishes or visit allrecipes.com for recipes designed to pair with Merlot.
Tasting Merlot
Merlot is considered by many to be an easier-to-drink red wine compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, which is a heavier red. It is a smoother, fruitier drink with less alcohol that a Cabernet. When trying the wines, cover the bottles and do a blind taste test so you aren’t influenced by either price or region.
Flavors you may taste include plum, black cherry, currant, mocha, oak or berry. Merlot has also been known to exhibit flavors of cinnamon, clove, hazelnut or chocolate. Make sure to smell each wine before you sip as this will enhance the flavor. Try each wine with each food and take notes on everything. Remember there is no right or wrong answer to anything. This is to discover what you like.
By trying several different Merlots at one time you will learn what you like in a Merlot and which foods you prefer it with. Chances are you’ll find this easy drinking wine among your favorites.
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