Types of Wine: Merlot

It's only inevitable that Merlot gets compared with Cabernet Sauvignon, its big brother in the vineyards of Bordeaux. What's unfortunate is that such comparisons often lead to the disparagement of Merlot.

But for anyone looking for a tasty wine to drink tonight with dinner, Merlot is well worth consideration. Its gentle tannins help develop a wine that's approachable early, with softer, more rounded edges. Merlot offers lush fruit flavors of plums and blackcurrants and aromas of eucalyptus and chocolate.

Try Merlot with meat and poultry dishes including roast or grilled chicken, chops (lamb or pork), meatloaf, and prime rib. Merlot is also a great match for roasted duck and filet mignon.

Merlot's homeland is the celebrated Bordeaux region of France, where it is typically blended with Cab (and other grapes). Outside of Europe, Merlot shines in places like Washington state, California, and Chile.

Aromas: Red berries, black berries, eucalyptus, mint, herb, bell pepper, plum, violets, cassis, fruit cake, chocolate

Merlot-friendly Recipe Collections:

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