All There Is To Know About Merlot Wine
About six in ten Americans enjoy at least an occasional glass of wine. Almost 70% of American wine drinkers prefer red wines, and merlot wine edges out cabernet sauvignon as the most popular variety of red wine in the United States. Whether you are a new wine drinker or just want to learn more about this popular beverage, this guide contains everything you need to know.
Where Did Merlot Wine Get Its Name?
Merlot is named for the grape used to produce it. The word means "the little blackbird" in French, and it is rumored that the grape got its name because of the blackbirds frequently seen eating the fruit.
What Is the History of Merlot?
Though there are references to the drink in ancient texts and it has been produced in France since at least 1784, merlot grapes were initially primarily used in traditional Bordeaux blends. The production of merlot grapes was temporarily banned in some places in the 1960s due to widespread rot. However, by the 1990s merlot wine had become popular in the United States and throughout Europe.
How Do You Say Merlot?
Merlot can be correctly pronounced as either "muh-low" or "mer-low." Some people believe part of the reason the drink gained popularity in the United States is that, unlike some wines, the name is easy to say.
What Does Merlot Taste Like?
The taste of merlot varies according to where the grapes it is made from were grown. Merlots from grapes grown in cool climates, such as France and Italy, are called classic merlots and usually have earthy flavors, such as tar, bell pepper, leather, mushroom, and tobacco.
Warmer climate merlots, such as those grown in California, Argentina, and Australia, are called New World merlots. They have a fruitier, sweeter taste because they contain less tannin, which is a compound in grapes that plays a role in how dry or sweet a wine is.
Merlots are usually medium to full-bodied, with moderate acidity and moderate to high alcohol content. Merlot wine can have a wide range of flavors, including graphite, black cherries, blackberries, herbs, cocoa, and plums. Merlots often also have notes of vanilla, clove, and cedar because they are usually aged in oak barrels.
Are Merlots a Good Choice for Beginners?
Because they are easy to drink and go well with many different kinds of food, Stags' Leap Napa Valley Merlot is a great wine for those new to the varietal and also a great selection for connoisseurs.
What Are the Different Styles of Merlot?
Merlot is the third most grown wine grape in the world, with about 600,000 acres of land dedicated to the crop. France produces the most, with 280,000 acres planted, followed by Italy, the United States, Australia, Chile, and Argentina.
Seven common styles of merlot are distinguished by the region where they are produced.
1. Bordeaux, France: Bordeaux merlot is usually grown in either clay or limestone. Clay soil produces robust grapes, while limestone gives the grapes a mineral tone and earthy flavor. Most Bordeaux merlots are used in Bordeaux blends.
2. Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy: These wines are used in both blends and single varietal wines. They have notes of anise, stone fruit, and spice.
3. Washington, United States: The long sunny days and cool nights in this region give its merlot wine some of the characteristics of both warm and cold climate grapes. These wines have high acidity levels, a strong berry and cherry presence, and a tannic bite.
4. Australia: Australian merlot is usually used in Bordeaux-style blends. It has the typical characteristics of warm-climate merlots.
5. Tuscany, Italy: Tuscan grapes are plumper and larger and have fewer tannins than grapes grown in other regions. Tuscan merlots have an oak-forward flavor with a subtle, earthy taste. These wines are often used in high-quality blends referred to as Super Tuscans.
6. California, United States: California merlot is known for its prominent dark fruit characteristics with notes of spice.
7. Chile: Because of its similar climate, merlot wine from Chile is comparable to California merlot. It has strong fruit notes and a powerful tannic flavor.
What Does Merlot Look Like?
Merlot has a red color from the red-skinned grapes used to make it. It is usually lighter in color than cabernet sauvignon but deeper than pinot noir. As it ages, it may lose brightness and pigmentation, resulting in a garnet color. Uncommonly, merlot grapes may be used to produce white and rosé wines.
How Should Merlot Wine Be Served?
Merlot needs to breathe to fully develop its aroma and flavor. Before serving, pour the entire bottle into a decanter and allow it to breathe for 10 to 20 minutes for light-bodied wine and 20 to 30 minutes for full-bodied varieties. Some people swear by serving merlot at room temperature or believe the ideal temperature is 60-65°F.
When Should You Serve Merlot?
Merlot is appropriate for informal or formal occasions and works well as a pre-dinner drink. Light-bodied merlots are good choices for picnics, barbecues, lunch, brunch, or cocktail parties. Full-bodied merlots are a good match for the red meat course of a formal dinner.
Merlot Storage Tips
Follow these tips to keep your wine in optimal condition:
• Maintain a consistent temperature.
• Avoid light exposure.
• Store bottles on their side.
• Keep the wine cool but not cold.
• Avoid vibration.
