Fruity, easy-drinking Merlot goes great with white and dark meats from chicken, turkey and pork, as well as weeknight pasta, burgers, and pizza. Fuller-bodied, ripe and fleshy styles, often with higher alcohol, can handle fuller-flavored foods such as beef and lamb, hearty bean dishes, and game meats like venison and bison. Classic, savory styles such as right bank Merlot from Bordeaux go well with roasted meats, duck, and mushrooms.
Good question. While Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are different grapes, in blind tastings, it can be hard to differentiate them, especially when grown in cooler climates.
Because they come from the same family of grapes, sharing a parent, Cabernet Franc. Wines from this family have pyzrazines, aromatic organic chemical compounds that produce bell pepper and herbal notes that are more prominent in cooler regions. Plus, Merlot in cooler regions like its homeland of Bordeaux develops firmer tannins, more structure and savory character than in warm climates, making it easier to mistake for Cabernet Sauvignon.
The two are often blending partners in red Bordeaux wine, Cabernet for its cassis, herbal undertones, and tannin structure and Merlot for its supple texture and ripe fruit. Merlot is usually cheaper, fruitier, and softer than Cabernet, and often perceived as less complex. Again, these are two different red grapes.
Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned variety that makes wines of moderate color and alcohol, with high acidity, elegance, and perfume of red fruits cranberries, raspberries, red cherries. For example, if you are serving a French Merlot, consider cooking some French dishes.
Pay attention to each of your courses, including the starter. You could begin with a traditional Caesar salad. The flavors in the dressing will complement the Merlot. Certain foods are difficult to successfully pair with wines. Avoid tomatoes, vinaigrettes, and artichokes. Murphy Perng Wine Specialist. Murphy Perng. Add some barbecued meat to the menu! Merlot pairs really well with barbecued foods, like barbecue pork. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0. You can either put the cork back in the bottle, or use a wine stopper.
Make sure you refrigerate any wine that is left over. Not Helpful 6 Helpful 8. Preferably place it by a radiator to breathe after opening, and leave to breathe for at least an hour. It must be warm in order to release all of the flavors and aromas, or you'll have a glass of vinegar with an alcohol percentage. Not Helpful 6 Helpful 1.
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Don't be afraid to experiment. You might need to try more than one type of wine to find your favorite.
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Buying wines by the case can save you money if you are planning to serve a large amount of wine.
Merlot might have some great health benefits, if you drink in moderation. You Might Also Like How to. How to. About This Article. Co-authored by:. Co-authors: Updated: May 6, Categories: Wine. Article Summary X Before you serve merlot wine, refrigerate it for 45 minutes or chill it in a bucket of ice for 10 minutes so it's between degrees Fahrenheit. Deutsch: Merlot servieren. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read , times.
I like to drink wine and beer. They are old types of drinks that probably have been known by men for thousands of years. Probably they are good for us. More reader stories Hide reader stories. Did this article help you?
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Whether it's a blended or single-varietal Merlot, this popular red typically ranges from about Before you pop that cork or twist open that screw cap, there are a few tips you can learn that will help you drink wine like a pro. Here's what you need to know when enjoying Merlot, including the best temperature for serving, the most delectable food pairings, and the type of glassware you may want to use at your next wine tasting party.
While most of us have been told to serve red wine like Merlot at room temperature, it's best to serve it a bit cooler, around degrees Fahrenheit. If you serve wine that's too warm, you can end up with a flabby, soupy, and bitter drink that tastes overly alcoholic.
For fuller-bodied wines like Merlot, chill it in the refrigerator for 90 minutes. You can then open the bottle and let it set on the table or decant it, allowing the wine to aerate for 10 minutes before serving. Merlot is an easy-drinking wine that goes with a variety of different foods. From savory to sweet fare, here are some top suggestions for serving it — wine and cheese pairings included.
For starters, consider smoked vegetables like roasted bell peppers as well as salty appetizers such as chips and dip or seasoned Italian olives. Richly flavored cheeses such as cheddar, brie, Gouda, Gorgonzola, and blue cheese make for an excellent aperitif or digestif with Merlot.
Main courses that pair well with Merlot's velvety finish and rich fruit notes include grilled or roasted meat, especially beef, pork, or lamb. Merlot is also great with chicken, roasted mushrooms, and smoky foods. For a sweet finish, enjoy Merlot with fresh or roasted fruits particularly plums, blueberries, blackberries, and cherries that will pick up on the wine's fruity notes.
Merlot's richness also pairs nicely with just about any dark chocolate dessert, especially melt-in-your-mouth truffles. The flavors of these foods can be stronger than the flavor of the Merlot, which may cause you to become more aware of the Merlot's tannins than the flavors of the fruit. It is a common belief that you should serve red wines at room temperature. While this was true in the days before heating and air conditioning, today's room temperature can actually be slightly warm for serving all red wines, including Merlot.
In order to enjoy the full flavor profile of the wine, it is important to serve all wines at their ideal temperature. In the case of red wines, the ideal serving temperature is between 63 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal storage temperature for red wines is at about 60 degrees.
If you are able to store your Merlot at 60 degrees, then pop the cork when you are ready to serve the wine and place the bottle on the counter for about 30 minutes to allow the wine to warm up to the ideal serving temperature. If, however, you store your Merlot at room temperature, it is likely you will want to cool the Merlot before serving. To do this, place the bottle in an ice water bath for about 10 minutes - just long enough to slightly cool the wine. Don't over chill, and don't serve Merlot at refrigerator temperatures.
Overchilling the wine will cause the subtlety and character of the wine to disappear. Before serving Merlot, the wine needs to "breathe" in order to open up any flavors and to allow tannins to soften.
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