10/12/07 Merlot

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. Merlot was once one of the most well-liked wines in America. But thanks to the influence of a movie about a loser who steals money out of his mother's purse it fell out of favor. To me that is tragic. I personally wasn't swayed - I still enjoy Merlot and today we will explore this versatile grape. Merlot alone not blended is used to make wine in many parts of the world. It very often produces a scented, somewhat soft and fruity wine. Provided Merlot vines are planted in a place that allows slow ripening and the acid levels are kept up the wines are very good. Although, yes it is those soft supple characteristics that make Merlot a great wine to blend with Cabernet Sauvignon; because 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. Merlot is one of the prominent grape varietals in the blend of the Bordeaux region of France. California Merlot can be much denser than most attempts outside of the French Bordeaux region. 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. I find that in general I enjoy Merlot with foods such as roasted poultry, dishes with lots of beans and hearty cheeses. I recommend giving Merlot another chance try it from many different regions, 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.