Merlot

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. On today’s program we will take a look at a wine that is one of the most well-liked wines in America, Merlot.

Merlot is used to make wine in many parts of the world. It most often produces a scented, somewhat soft and fruity wine. Those soft supple characteristics make Merlot a great wine to blend with Cabernet Sauvignon; as it softens the more assertive characteristics of the Cabernet. Since Merlot lacks early tannic harshness, blending it allows the Cabernet Sauvignon to develop faster and shortens the necessary aging time. Provided Merlot vines are planted in a place that allows slow ripening, and the acid levels are kept up, the wines will be very good. Merlot is one of the prominent blending grape varietals in the famous Bordeaux region of France. And another great area particularly well suited for planting Merlot with its long warm days and cool nights is the Columbia basin of Washington state. The wines have considerable substance and provide a reasonably serious red wine, which can be a pleasant alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon. In general I find I enjoy Merlot with foods such as hearty cheeses, roasted poultry and dishes with lots of lentils involved in them. The Merlot grape is made into many different styles of wines from many different regions. I recommend trying Merlot from various origins of the world, just to see which style you prefer. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at vine to wine dot net and thank you for joining me on today’s Vine to Wine.