Merlot goes with a lot. It’s a versatile wine that makes for easy sipping and is extremely approachable. It’s a more casual wine experience than a bold, tannin-heavy Petite Syrah, but packs more of a punch than a Pinot Noir. Merlot sits at the center of the spectrum of boldness, but is anything but ordinary and is a perfect wine for casual enjoyers and connoisseurs alike.
Because of its approachability, it’s easy to assume Merlot isn’t full of surprises. It certainly is! In this post, we’ll explore our favorite Merlot pairings, serving tips, and more on why Merlot is a surprisingly complex and enjoyable addition to any dinner.
Why Choose Merlot?
Merlot is known for its harmonious balance between fruit, acidity, and tannins. One word we’d use to describe the wine is lovely. It’s low to mild in tannins, making it not too dry, exceptionally smooth, and easy to sip with or without a food pairing. It’s got a pleasant, velvety mouthfeel and light body, which makes it agreeable. And its flavors can be wonderfully fruit-forward. It’s an ideal option for those who are curious about red wine, or those new to reds altogether, because it's gentle and balanced.
What Pairs Well with Merlot?
Merlot is going to work with anything that has an earthy, slightly sweet, or subtle fruity flavor. It doesn’t clash with sour or spicy flavors and can even work with a sweet dessert. Like we said, it goes with a lot.
Charcuterie
Unaged Brie. Brie’s creamy, gooey texture is perfect for the Merlot’s silky mouthfeel, and the notes of plum compliment the brie’s mild, nutty notes.
Aged Cheddar. The cheddar’s savory flavors and high fat content is the perfect balance to Merlot’s fruit-forward notes and tannins.
Gouda. The cheese’s mildly sweet flavor balances the wine’s soft tannins and fruity palate.
Parmesan. Parmesan is intense with salty and savory flavors that are balanced by the wine's tannins.
Salami. Merlot’s medium body and fruit-forward notes pair beautifully with salami’s salty, savory flavors.
Prosciutto. Similar to salami, the wine’s body and flavors pair with the salt and fats in the meat.
Assorted Nuts. The earthy, rich flavors of nuts work with the wine’s oaky notes and silky texture.
Meats
Filet Mignon. Filet mignon is a lean, delicately flavored cut of meat. Merlot is the perfect pairing because of its moderate acidity, texture, and flavors.
Roasted Chicken or Turkey. Another classic pairing for Merlot is roasted chicken. The fruity notes of the wine balance the chicken’s subtle, savory flavors.
Pork. The mild, slightly sweet flavor of pork works perfectly with Merlot’s ripe fruit flavors.
Salmon. Craving seafood? Salmon is the way to go with Merlot. The fish’s fat and texture stands up to the wine’s body and softer tannins.
Vegetables
Mushrooms. The earthy, savory, and salty flavors of mushrooms match Merlot’s fruit-forward flavors and medium acidity.
Carrots. Carrots, especially roasted, complement Merlot because of the slightly sweet flavor and earthy undertones of the carrot.
Beets. Beets are traditionally hard to pair with wine because they’re sweet and bitter flavors. However, like carrots, the slight sweetness of the flavor works with Merlot’s ripe fruit profile.
Eggplant. Merlot is a great match for eggplant because of the vegetable’s texture and shared earthy notes.
Roasted red peppers. The sweet, smoky flavors of the peppers match the wine’s fruit-forward profile and soft tannins.
Zucchini. The mild flavor of zucchini balances well with the wine’s notes of plum and berry.
Tomatoes. Tomatoes don’t always work with red wines. The acidity of the tomato can clash with the wine, causing an unpleasant metallic taste. However, Merlot and tomatoes exemplify balance. The flavors of the tomato match Merlot’s acidity and richness without overpowering it.
Recipes We Love
Red Pork Pozole. This rich, thick soup is an excellent (and cozy) pairing for Merlot. The juicy, slightly zingy notes in the Merlot work with the richness of the broth and spice of the chiles.
Braised Short Ribs. A hearty, rich dish that pairs with Merlot, or Stags’ Leap Winery Investor Red Wine, because the tannins help cut through some of the richness
Spiced Carrot Cake with Brown Butter Frosting. Merlot with dessert? Why not? We love how the cake’s slightly sweet, earthy flavors match the Merlot’s notes of bittersweet dark chocolate, and black raspberry.
Where to Start
Stags’ Leap Winery 2023 Napa Valley Merlot. We love this Merlot because of its vibrant black cherry, ripe plum, red berries, and delicate floral violet nose. The palate is plush and inviting with a medium to full body. Refined tannins and juicy acidity stand out. This wine delivers elegance and grace with layers of blackberry, black raspberry, and bittersweet dark chocolate. A hint of Griottes cherries, or Kirsch-soaked cherries, adds lift. The long, savory finish reveals notes of wild sage, fresh herbs, and earthy minerality. Mouth-pleasing with complexity and balance, this expressive Merlot is built to drink now, or age.
A Bit of History
Merlot was first recorded in 1784, cultivated in the vineyards of Bordeaux, alongside favorites such as Cabernet Sauvignon.
It’s named after the French word “merle,” which translates to “blackbird.” There are two competing legends about how the wine acquired its name. The first is that blackbirds loved to eat the grapes on the vineyards where Merlot was planted. The second is that the wine was named after blackbirds because the dark, bluish-black color of the wine matched the feathers of the birds.
Outside of the US, Merlot is extremely popular and is the most planted grape variety in Bordeaux, and the second most planted grape globally.
FAQs
What’s the best temperature to serve Merlot?
Merlot is best enjoyed between 60°F and 68°F.
Should I decant Merlot?
Merlot can benefit from decanting for around thirty minutes prior to serving. This will help open the wine’s flavors to their full potential.
Does Merlot age?
Merlot ages extremely well. As time passes, the wine will transform in complexity. Spicy, plummy notes can be revealed with undertones of dark chocolate. And while the mellow tannins prevent it from being a super-ager like some wines, most Merlots age well for three to seven years.
