What Is Merlot?
Merlot is a blue-tinged grape. This is a red wine grape varietal. Merlot is one of the famous grapes that goes in blends. A merlot wine made of 100% Merlot grapes yields a deep, velvet, full-bodied red wine. Merlot is great for first-time wine drinkers or white wine enthusiasts who are looking for an introduction to red wines.
Regions
Merlot is a versatile grape that fares well in a variety of climates and soils. It is grown in many winemaking regions around the world. Merlot grows best, however, in cool soils like clay.
Merlot is the third most grown wine grape in the world. France produces most of the world’s merlot, followed by the United States, then Italy. The grape is also grown in parts of Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, South Africa, Argentina, Switzerland, Bulgaria and China. Each region grows merlot differently, producing a wine with unique qualities and flavors closely associated with that region.
Characteristics of Classic and New World
Merlot is a smooth wine with low acidity and low tannin levels than other red wines. Tannins contribute to the dryness, astringency, and bitterness of wine. Thus, more tannic wines have a drier mouthfeel. Merlot’s lower tannin levels result in a soft, velvety finish with notes of black fruits, chocolate, and a touch of spice.
However, it is important to mention that is a distinction in taste between merlot from in cooler climates, such as Northern Italy, France, and Chile, versus those from in warmer climates, such as California, Australia, and Argentina.
Cooler Climate merlot has an earthier, more savory finish. This type of merlot is called a classic merlot due to the long history of Merlot production in this type of climate.
Frequent descriptors of cooler climate merlots include:
- Boysenberry
- Tobacco
- Fig
- Licorice
- Herbs
Warmer Climate Merlot is more tannic and full-bodied, with stronger fruit notes. This type of Merlot is a New World Merlot due to the fact that it is grown and produced in regions outside of Europe.
How to Pair
Because of their lower acidity and pleasant fruity sweetness, Merlots pair well with many foods. Unlike heavier red wines that often pair best with red meat, Merlot can be an excellent choice for poultry and pasta dishes, pork, fruits, mushrooms, lamb, roasted chicken, nyama choma, veal, turkey, and steak.
Due to its user-friendliness and fewer restrictions when it comes to pairing, the Merlot is perfect to introduce people to the world of wine. Its rich fruity flavors are appealing to most people. This makes it appropriate for new wine drinkers. Merlot wines are smooth and easy to drink. So if you are trying to cultivate a red wine drinking culture, Merlot is the way to start.
