Wine 101: What is Merlot?

June 16, 12:51 PMFood & Drink 101 ExaminerTaylor Olson

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Merlot is one of the world's most planted grape varieties and is one of the most popular red wine varietals. It is also popular in blended wines.

Merlot grapes are thin-skinned and ripen faster than Cabernet Sauvignon, another popular red wine varietal. Merlot can grow in a cooler climate than Cabernet but prefers a relatively warm growing environment.

It's flavor is similar to that of Cabernet but has a slightly lower acidity. Merlot-based wines are typically medium bodied with hints of berry, plum and currant aromas and flavors. The grapes are soft and fleshy, have a higher sugar content than Cabernet and tend to bud early, increasing its susceptibility to rot.

Since Merlot matures earlier in bottle than Cabernet, it is a favorite of wine drinkers rather than wine collectors.

The diversity of Merlot allows it to be paired well with a variety of foods like grilled and charred meats for Cabernet-lie Merlots, salmon and mushroom based dishes for fruitier Merlots, and shellfish for light bodied Merlots.

For more information on Merlot, click here.