Merlot Wine Characteristics

Merlot wines are some of the most popular red wines, which enjoy high reputation and appreciation among numerous wine lovers worldwide. These wines are made from a grape with the same name, Merlot, which grows in most of the well-known wine producing regions in different parts of the world. From the french region Bordeaux, Italy, Spain, California in US, Australia to South America, this grape is cultivated everywhere. Merlot wines belong to the group of Cabernet red wines.

What makes Merlot a favoured choice of both experienced and knowledgeable wine enthusiasts and new wine tasters is the characteristic, smooth, fruity flavour. In addition, here are some of the most important characteristics of Merlot wines every wine lover should be familiarized with.

Colour

The colour of Merlot wines ranges from medium red to dark blue. You will find these wines in purple as well as in deep ruby colour. The two main factors that influence the colour nuance of these wines is the region where the grape is being produced and the temperatrure the wine is served on

Taste and Aroma

When it comes to the taste of Merlot wines, an important fact that you need to know is that, the main features that determine the taste profile of the wine, such as acidity, alcohol content, texture and fruit flavours, mainly depend on the climate characteristics of the region where the grape is produced. However, in general Merlot features balanced texture (medium body) and tannins and taste that is complex, yet sophisticated blend of fruit, herbal and vegetable aromas, complemented with earthy notes. The most prevalent fruity notes in Merlot are: blueberry, plum, black cherry and blackberry.

Food Pairing

Merlot is probably the most versatile red wine when it comes to pairing it with food. You can serve it with a variety of meaty dishes, including lamb, poultry, pork, beef and more. Also, you can serve it with various cheeses, salads and vegetable tarts. Unlike most red wines that do not pair with chocolate, Merlot wines make perfect companion for chocolate and chocolate desserts. Moreover, aside from serving it with food, Merlot makes a perfect choice when it comes to cooking with wine. Many professional chefs add this red wine for preparing sauces, seasonings, marinades as well as stews. Simply put, it is its versatility one of the main advantages that make this wine perfect for many occasions.

Pinot Noir Wine Facts

Pinot Noir is one of the most planted grape variety in the world. The wine it produces is admired by millions of devoted wine enthusiasts. In fact, the average prices for Pinot Noir wines are usually higher than other red wines. So, you may be wondering what it is about this grape that is so special to wine enthusiasts? Let’s view some really interesting facts about Pinot Noir wines.

When Compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir Is Over 1000 Years Older

Pinot Noir is considered one of the oldest grapes in the world. This grape has been around since the Roman times. Other grapes that have also been around since the Roman times include: The Moscato grape – a rare white grape planted only in 50 acres around Italy; and a nearly extinct Gouais Blanc grape.

The Names Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Blanc Refer to One Same Grape Varietal

Wine specialists claim that Pinot Gris/Grigio and Pinot Blanc are just color mutations of the Pinot Noir grape. Each grape DNA has been analyzed and the result showed that they are simply identical. So, if you like Pinot Noir wines, you will also enjoy all the other Pinots.

The Top Pinot Noir Producer Is France

France is the largest producer of Pinot Noir wines, followed by the U.S. and Germany. In Germany Pinot Noir is often called Spatburgunder and wines produced in Baden (in the Kaiserstuhl district), Nahe and Pfalz are all worth to give a try.

Where’s Pinot Noir, There’s Certainly Chardonnay

Chardonnay is actually related to Pinot Noir. It’s a natural crossing of Gouais Blanc (the almost extinct grape variety mentioned above) and Pinot Noir. And that is the reason why Chardonnay and Pinot Noir always seem to grow in the same place.

Pinot Noir Has Tannin

Pinot Noir is usually identified by its natural tendency to be lighter than other red wines and features low tannin. But a recent wine tasting showed that Pinot Noir can also present a lot more tannin. How this is possible? Wine producers make this wine using a technique called ‘Whole Cluster Fermentation’, which is when the whole grape bunch – including the stems – goes into the crusher and fermenter. This technique is rarely used on other wine variety making process and typically applied for high-end wines designed for cellaring for at least 10 years before drinking.

To be able to enjoy all the aromas and flavours of Pinot Noir wines you should drink it in a proper Pinot Noir glass – a large, round bell-shaped glass. This is important to collect all the delicate characteristics of the wine.

Source: http://www.wineonline.com.au/red-wine/pinot-noir/