Juicy Knowledge

Merlot (pronounced: mehr-lo)

Merlot usually plays second fiddle to its traditional blending partner, Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is planted nearly everywhere wine grapes grow. You can find Merlot from Washington State, Chile, Australia and everywhere in between. A typical Merlot-based wine will have stronger tannins than a Pinot Noir, but the flavor won’t be as bracing as a Cabernet. Generally, Merlot feels softer in your mouth than Cabernet. Merlot can have red cherry, black cherry and plum flavors along with floral and spicy accents.

Know your Merlot:

Merlot used to be the red wine counterpart of Chardonnay: Everybody made a Merlot. Perhaps this gave some a bad impression after drinking one of the many mediocre Merlots in existence. You can find very good Merlot – especially if you want something a bit softer than a PowerCabernet.
Merlot plays top gun in many ‘right-bank’ Bordeaux wines. The famous Chateau Petrus is made with Merlot. Try it if your rich uncle is paying for dinner.
Merlot is often easier to grow than Pinot Noir or Cabernet (and thus less expensive to produce), so don’t be too quick to turn up your nose at a Merlot that is relatively inexpensive.