A wine for all occasions (Merlot in general)

Member Name: giksy21

Product:	Merlot in general
Date:	23/09/08 (195 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great all rounder

Disadvantages: not complex enough for some

Having previously written about Beaujolais, which is in my opinion an excellent starting point for getting into drinking red wine, I have decided to take it one step further. If anyone is trusting enough (some might call this foolish enough!) to trust me and try the beaujolais nouveau, then they might also consider trying the merlot. It is slightly more full bodied than the Beaujolais, but without being as over powering as some of the big Bordeaux's, or a chateauneuf-du-pape.



Merlot, which is the French for blackbird, is in this case the name of the grape, rather than the region from which it comes. This means that, unlike the Beaujolais, you can get merlots from all over the world, not just France. These vary greatly from country to country, with the Chilean versions tending to be a lot more complex than the French.



The Merlot grape itself, is one of the most versitile grapes there is, and it is often used to blend with others as well as to make a merlot. It is similar to the Beaujolais, in that it ripens earlier, and has a very thin skin. It is this feature that makes it a lot less intense than the 'meatier' reds around. The thin skin has a lot less tannin, which is that purply dust that you see on the skin of the grape itself. This is what makes a wine dry, or bitter. Where there is a lack of tannin, the fruit flavours tend to come to the front, and leave a very easy-drinking wine, perfect for those who are just embarking on red wine-drinking, for the first time.

Typically, the grape is blended with cabernet grapes, which brings added complexity to the merlot grape, and also softens the tannin rich cabernet grape. These wines, however, are no longer classified as merlot's. To be a true merlot, only grapes of this variety may be used.



Primarily the merlot grape is grown in France (it is the third most common grape here.), but the other main areas for growth are Italy, and California. To a lesser extent it can also be found in Chile, Australia and South Africa.

My own personal preference is a good, strong oak matured chilean. The added complexity suits my taste. However, for those starting out, I would suggest a nice French. The simple nature and fermentation of the grape leaves only the fruit flavours. It has become popular, as it displays the same fruity tones as the cabernet grape, but it does put those forward in a much softer way. Flavours associated with Merlot are Black cherry, currant and plum.




Similar to the Beaujolais, the soft fruity flavours leave an easy to drink, fruity little wine. It is fairly simple in its delivery, and may be too much so for some people. However, in its own way it is an excellent all rounder. Its well balanced, fruity tones leave it perfect to be consumed with the lightest fish dishes, right through to red meats. As a rule, you cannot really go wrong when food-pairing, if you choose a Merlot wine as an accompaniment to any meal. This is mainly due to its medium nature. Fruity flavours leave it perfect for chicken dishes, though, if it a real good sirloin steak you are eating, then maybe go for a chilean, oak matured. These wines are aged in oak barrels, which adds somewhat to the depth, and complexity of the wine, whilst not taking away from its fruitful nature.




A good all round wine, merlot is suitable for red wine drinkers of all experience levels. I have found a really nice one for sale in LIDL, which is called 'cimarosa', and is a 2007 chilean. It retails for around £3.50 a bottle, and is one of the stronger on the market (13%.). If its something lighter that you are after, then you could do worse than Tesco's Italian merlot, which is much lighter bodied. It is around the same price.


Go on, and take the plunge. Great for the newbie, and also the expert. It is a wine that can be enjoyed by all!!!

Recommended. G

P.S. Let me know, by way of comment if you find these wine reviews useful, as I would love to do more for those that are interested. Thanks.

Summary: A great all round wine, that can be enjoyed by all.