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When talking about French wine, Bordeaux wine may first come to your mind. Bordeaux wine is popular around the world, and famous for its perfect blend of grapes where Merlot plays an important role. Let’s learn more about Merlot.
The Right Bank of Bordeaux: The Paradise of Merlot
Merlot plays an important role in Bordeaux, it is one of the most planted wine grape in Bordeaux. Because of the different terroirs, the Bordeaux red wine blends usually contain higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon on the Left Bank, while Merlot dominates the Right Bank blend.
Right Bank wine regions include Saint-Émilion and Pomero with famous wineries like Petrusa and Ausone. Why Merlot is a must-have in Bordeaux blends?
Merlot’s Role in Blends
The smooth, rounded and easy-drinking are the characteristics of Merlot, when blending with other grape varieties, Merlot can help to add body and softness.
In Bordeaux, there is a classic blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Sauvignon can provide tannin, structure and ageing potential; Merlot can soften the tannin and provide more fruit aromas and flavours, providing more layers and enhancing its complexity.
Merlot Style
Besides soft and round in the mouth, Merlot wine contains blackberry, cherry, plum flavors. Also, after finishing in wine casks, Merlot will contain chocolate and vanilla flavors.
Merlot Food and Pairing
Merlot is a great wine to play with, since it is a wonderful complement to almost any meal. For example, red meat, chicken, tomato-based dishes and chocolate desserts are the perfect match for Merlot. Don’t be afraid, just go ahead to try more combination with Merlot! But remember Merlot should stay away from fish or super spicy dishes.
