Best Merlot Wine Collection in Malaysia
Merlot, a name synonymous with smooth-drinking reds, has won over wine enthusiasts around the globe. But what makes this grape variety so popular?
This chameleon-like quality is what makes this red wine a crowd-pleaser. Whether you enjoy a smooth, easy-drinking wine or a complex one capable of ageing, a perfect Merlot is waiting to be discovered.
What is Merlot wine?
Merlot wine is a red wine crafted from dark-skinned grapes that thrive in warm climates. Originally hailing from Bordeaux, France, this versatile grape has found a home in vineyards across the globe. From California’s sun-drenched slopes to the cooler regions of Washington State, Merlot demonstrates its adaptability, gracing wine regions like Chile and Italy as well.
Typically dry with medium to full body, Merlot offers a delightful interplay of flavours. You can expect a range of notes, from graphite, herbs, and blackberries to black cherries, plums, and cocoa. Oak ageing adds further complexity, introducing hints of clove, vanilla, and cedar.
While Merlot frequently plays a supporting role in the famed Bordeaux blends alongside Cabernet Sauvignon, it also takes centre stage as a captivating single-varietal wine.
Merlot wine alcohol content
Merlot wine’s alcohol content can vary depending on the region and producer. Grapes grown in cooler regions like France tend to have a lighter touch, with an alcohol percentage ranging from 13% to 14%. Warmer climates, like California, Chile, and Australia, push the grapes to ripen further, resulting in Merlots with a slightly bolder ABV, sometimes reaching 14.5%.
Calories in Merlot wine
A typical 5-ounce glass of Merlot has around 120-125 calories, which translates to roughly 625 calories for a whole 750ml bottle. Don’t worry too much about carbs—Merlot red wine is usually a dry wine, meaning it has minimal residual sugar. Most dry Merlots have between zero and 4 grams of carbs per serving.
Merlot wine taste profile
Merlot’s charm lies in its welcoming and crowd-pleasing character. It boasts smooth, velvety tannins, which translate to an easy-drinking experience, making it easy to drink even for those new to red wines.
Tasting notes
When you swirl and sip a glass of Merlot red wine, you might encounter a delightful array of flavours depending on the specific wine. Common tasting notes include:
- Dark and red fruits: Plum, blackberry, black cherry, raspberry
- Herbal and spice: Vanilla, clove, cedar, mint, mocha from oak ageing
Is Merlot a dry or sweet wine?
Merlot wine is dry, meaning the sugar gets converted to alcohol during fermentation. While a touch of residual sugar might linger in some bottles, it’s a subtle detail that doesn’t define the style. This dryness allows the true stars of the show – the fruit flavours and tannins – to take centre stage, creating a balanced and delightful drinking experience.
What does Merlot smell like?
The alluring aroma of Merlot mirrors its taste profile, boasting a delightful fruit basket. Sweet raspberries mingle with black cherry, plum, and a hint of blueberry. Beyond the vibrant fruit notes, it can also present subtle earthy hints of graphite and cedar, with hints of vanilla and cloves. As Merlot ages, its aromatic profile evolves, developing decadent chocolate and meaty characteristics, with a touch of tobacco adding further complexity.
Merlot wine benefits: Is Merlot a healthy red wine?
Yes, Merlot red wine is healthy and packs a bunch of benefits when taken moderately.
- Rich in antioxidants: Merlot red wine contains antioxidants called polyphenols, including resveratrol. These antioxidants may prevent heart attacks or strokes.
- Improve gut health: Merlot may improve gut health due to the presence of probiotics that increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
- Boosts good cholesterol: Merlot helps lower the risk of blood clotting by increasing good HDL cholesterol levels.
Serving tips: How do you drink Merlot?
- Temperature: To fully appreciate the nuances of this red wine, it’s best served slightly chilled, ideally between 60-66°F (15-19°C).
- Glass type: Bordeaux glass. This larger bowl allows for some air to interact with the red wine, which can help soften the tannins and further enhance the aroma and flavour profile.
- Decanting: decanting for 30 minutes can help it breathe and reveal its full flavour potential.
- Cellaring: Most Merlots can be enjoyed within 3-7 years, but truly exceptional bottles can evolve in complexity for up to 15 years or longer.
Food pairings
Merlot’s adaptability makes it a fantastic wine for culinary adventures. Don’t hesitate to experiment and find your perfect pairing!
For easy drinking, pair an entry-level Merlot like RAIZ Merlot with pizza, BBQ chicken, or a creamy penne boscaiola (tomato sauce, bacon, and mushrooms).
For Merlot-dominant blends like CHATEAU LAFLEUR-GAZIN Pomerol 2013, explore roasts like turkey or beef short ribs or a rustic ratatouille. Braised meats pair beautifully, with chimichurri sauce complementing Merlot’s vibrant fruit character.
For lush, full-bodied Merlots from warm climates like Napa Valley, such as Masseto 2017
consider decadent options like a rack of lamb, roast veal, or fillet mignon with a rich peppercorn sauce.
Finding your perfect Merlot
Merlot unfolds like a global flavour journey. This versatile red wine goes from easy drinking to aged elegance. Each sip boasts a delightful interplay of flavours, allowing you to pair it with anything from pizza to roasted lamb. Browse our collection of Merlot and buy a bottle now!
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