Red wines come in a pretty wide range of flavors and styles. One of the most popular among wine drinkers is Merlot wine. As it turns out, there’s a few reasons why this particular style has become a favorite for many…
Merlot Wine: Why It’s Popular
The basics
Merlot wine originates from the Bordeaux region in France. It’s thought to be a descendant of the Cab Franc style of wine. However, Merlot producers have also popped up in Italy, Australia, California, Washington, and Chile. Still, if you want an authentic French blend, look for bottles whose labels have either Fronsac, Pomerol, or St. Emilion listed on them.
This wine also tends to be pretty dry and fall in the medium- to full-body range, depending on the producer. They also tend to have a bit more alcohol than your other red wines. The average ABV for these wines tends to be around 15%, although California-based producers like to keep their wines near the 13% mark.
Aroma & flavor
Merlot wine has a pretty interesting aroma profile. Cherry and cocoa are some of the most common scents that people tend to notice. Some blends also have a strong presence of spices, such as vanilla or cloves. Earthy undertones can also pop up, such as wet ground or tobacco leaves.
Merlot’s flavor is also quite unique. Cherries, plums, blue and blackberries, as well as cocoa and hints of black pepper tend to be the most prevalent flavor profiles. However, certain regions focus on different aspects. For example, wines made in France or Italy tend to have more muted fruit flavors, whereas those made elsewhere tend to really make them pop.
Food paring
One of the things people appreciate most about a wine is how it pairs with foods. Merlot wine is certainly no exception. In fact, it’s a very versatile choice. However, there are some choices where it really stands out when combined with them.
Mainly Merlot is best when paired with meats. As it turns out, it can work with nearly any meat, prepared in practically every fashion, whether it be grilled, baked, or broiled. It also is quite good when paired with strong cheeses like cheddar or Stilton.
