Merlot Wine Information

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Written by:

Joe Becerra

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Merlot is very simaler to Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a lighter and mellower version of Cabernet Sauvignon. It is widely grown in California and until recent times has been one of the most popular California wines. For a variety of reasons, including poking fun at Merlot in the popular movie “Sideways,” Merlot has fallen out of favor by many.

  • The Merlot is a red wine grape that is abundantly grown in France’s Bordeaux, and in particular in the St. Emilion region. In California, Merlot was once only used as a blending grape to soften Cabernet Sauvignon. In California Merlot has become immensely popular as its own varietal.
  • Approximtely 50,000 acres are planted with Merlot vineyards in California.
  • Merlot pairs with many meat dishes, barbeque foods, and mild to medium cheese dishes.
  • Merlot has aromas and flavors of blackberry, plum, current, chocolate and vanilla. Merlot tends to have more herbaceous characteristics than Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • Merlot is a medium-bodied wine but can be made in a big style, much like a Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • Merlot in general is not capable of aging as long as Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • Merlot is widely grown in the Napa Valley and the Sonoma areas of Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, and Sonoma Valley.

Visit these wine trails to find wineries making delicious Merlot

  • Joe Becerra

    Joe Becerra has been traveling to wine country and enjoying wine since 1965. He is a retired educator, and now have the time the opportunity to share his wine travel experiences through this Website.

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