Everything You Need to Know About Merlot Wine

By David Gadd | Published on 2022-09-12

Welcome to our article about Merlot wine! Merlot is a popular red wine variety that has been enjoyed for centuries. In this article, we will explore the history and characteristics of Merlot, the best French Merlots, reviews of specific Merlot wines, and how Merlot compares to Cabernet Sauvignon. We'll also cover the aroma and ABV of Merlot, and how to pair Merlot with food. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just getting started with Merlot, this article has something for everyone! So, let's dive in and learn all about Merlot!

What is Merlot Wine?

Merlot is a red wine grape variety that is widely grown in France, Italy, and other parts of the world. It is one of the most popular red wines in the world, and is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and other varieties. Merlot is known for its smooth, medium-bodied flavor, with notes of blackberry, plum, and chocolate. It is often described as having a velvety texture and a hint of spice. Merlot is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods, from red meats to lighter fare.

Merlot grapes are dark blue in color and have thick skins. The grapes are usually harvested in late summer or early fall, and the resulting wine is usually aged for at least a year before being released. Merlot wines are generally low in tannins, making them easy to drink and enjoy. They are also known for their soft, fruity flavors, which can range from sweet and jammy to earthy and spicy.

Merlot is a great choice for those who are new to red wine, as it is generally less intense than other red wines. It is also a great choice for those who are looking for a wine to pair with food. Merlot is a great accompaniment to red meats, as well as lighter fare such as fish and vegetables. It is also a great choice for those who are looking for a wine to enjoy on its own.

The Best French Merlots

When it comes to French Merlots, there are a few names that stand out from the crowd. One of the most popular is Château Pétrus, a Bordeaux wine from the Pomerol region. This Merlot has a deep ruby color and a complex flavor profile of dark fruits, herbs, and spices. It's a full-bodied wine with a long finish and is considered one of the best Merlots in the world.

Another popular French Merlot is Château La Fleur-Pétrus, also from the Pomerol region. This wine has a deep ruby color and a complex flavor profile of dark fruits, herbs, and spices. It's a full-bodied wine with a long finish and is considered one of the best Merlots in the world.

The last French Merlot we'll mention is Château Cheval Blanc, a Bordeaux wine from the Saint-Émilion region. This Merlot has a deep ruby color and a complex flavor profile of dark fruits, herbs, and spices. It's a full-bodied wine with a long finish and is considered one of the best Merlots in the world.

Fetzer Merlot Review

Fetzer Merlot is a popular red wine from California. It has a deep ruby color and a nose of ripe cherry, blackberry, and plum. On the palate, it is full-bodied and smooth, with flavors of blackberry, dark cherry, and a hint of spice. The finish is long and lingering, with a hint of oak.

Fetzer Merlot has been praised for its balance and complexity. It has a medium-high acidity, which helps to balance the ripe fruit flavors. The tannins are soft and round, making it an easy-drinking wine. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to roasted vegetables.

Overall, Fetzer Merlot is a great choice for those looking for a full-bodied, well-balanced red wine. It has a great flavor profile and is sure to please both novice and experienced wine drinkers alike.

Milbrandt 2017 Merlot

The Milbrandt 2017 Merlot is a full-bodied red wine with a deep ruby color. It has aromas of ripe blackberry, blueberry, and plum, with subtle notes of cedar and spice. On the palate, it is smooth and well-balanced, with flavors of dark fruits and a hint of oak. The finish is long and lingering, with a hint of sweet vanilla.

This Merlot is a great example of the classic Washington State style. It is made from grapes grown in the Wahluke Slope AVA, and is aged for 14 months in French and American oak barrels. The result is a wine that is complex and flavorful, with a smooth and velvety texture. It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and hard cheeses.

The Milbrandt 2017 Merlot is a great choice for those looking for a full-bodied red wine with a deep ruby color and complex flavors. It is a great example of the classic Washington State style, and pairs well with many dishes. Whether you are looking for a wine to enjoy on its own or to pair with a meal, the Milbrandt 2017 Merlot is sure to please.

Raymond Merlot 2016

Raymond Merlot 2016 is a classic example of a California Merlot. This wine is made from grapes grown in the Napa Valley, and it is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. The result is a full-bodied, complex, and well-balanced red wine with aromas of ripe blackberries, plums, and cherries. On the palate, the wine has a smooth texture with flavors of dark fruits, cocoa, and spices. The finish is long and lingering, with a hint of oak and a hint of sweetness.

Raymond Merlot 2016 is a great choice for those who are looking for a full-bodied red wine with a bit of complexity. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to pasta dishes. It also goes well with a variety of cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, and Gouda. This wine is best enjoyed at room temperature, and it can be cellared for up to five years.

Overall, Raymond Merlot 2016 is a great example of a California Merlot. It has a full body and complex flavors, and it pairs well with a variety of dishes. It is a great choice for those who are looking for a full-bodied red wine with a bit of complexity.

Milbrandt Merlot 2017

Milbrandt Merlot 2017 is a full-bodied red wine with a deep ruby color and aromas of blackberry, raspberry, and dark chocolate. On the palate, it has a smooth texture with flavors of blackberry, plum, and dark chocolate. The finish is long and lingering with a hint of spice. This wine is best enjoyed with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and dark chocolate desserts.

The Milbrandt Merlot 2017 is a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Syrah. It is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, giving it a complex flavor profile. The wine has a 14.5% ABV and is a great choice for those looking for a full-bodied red wine.

The Milbrandt Merlot 2017 is a great choice for those looking for a full-bodied red wine with a complex flavor profile. It has a deep ruby color and aromas of blackberry, raspberry, and dark chocolate. On the palate, it has a smooth texture with flavors of blackberry, plum, and dark chocolate. The finish is long and lingering with a hint of spice. This wine pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and dark chocolate desserts.

Aroma and ABV of Merlot Wine

Merlot wine is known for its smooth, velvety texture and its fruity, earthy aromas. The aroma of Merlot wine can range from dark fruits such as blackberry and plum to herbal notes such as tobacco and leather. It can also have a hint of chocolate or coffee. Merlot wines are typically medium-bodied, with a medium to high level of tannins.

The ABV (alcohol by volume) of Merlot wine ranges from 12-14%. This is slightly lower than the ABV of Cabernet Sauvignon, which can range from 13-15%. Merlot wines tend to be slightly sweeter than Cabernet Sauvignon, and are often used in blends to add a bit of sweetness. Merlot wines can also be used to make dessert wines, such as port or sherry. The alcohol content of these wines can range from 15-20%.

When it comes to Merlot wine, the ABV and aromas can vary greatly depending on the region and winemaker. It is important to read the label to get an idea of the ABV and aromas of the wine you are purchasing. This will help you determine if the wine is right for your palate and food pairings.

Comparing Merlot to Cabernet Sauvignon

Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are two of the most popular red wines in the world. Both are full-bodied and have intense flavors, but they are distinct in their own right. Merlot is known for its velvety texture and fruity flavors, while Cabernet Sauvignon is more tannic and has a bolder flavor profile.

When comparing Merlot to Cabernet Sauvignon, it is important to consider the differences in their aromas. Merlot typically has aromas of blackberry, plum, and cherry, while Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of black currant, cedar, and tobacco. Merlot also tends to have a higher alcohol content than Cabernet Sauvignon, with an ABV of around 13.5-14.5%.

The two wines also differ in terms of sweetness. Merlot is typically a bit sweeter than Cabernet Sauvignon, with a sweetness level of around 1-2 on the Brix scale. While both wines pair well with a variety of foods, Merlot is often considered to be the better choice for pairing with red meats, while Cabernet Sauvignon is better suited for pairing with dishes that have a higher fat content.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Merlot is a popular red wine that has a wide variety of flavors and aromas. From French Merlots to Fetzer Merlot and Milbrandt 2017 Merlot, there is something for everyone. Merlot also has a lower ABV than Cabernet Sauvignon, making it a great choice for those looking for a lighter red wine. With its unique flavor profile and food pairing options, Merlot is a great choice for any occasion.