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.
