Bushra Griffith
Merlot is a popular red wine known for its silky, lush, soft, and sensual qualities. It is made from red-skinned grapes that can adapt to a variety of climates, making it widely accessible. When serving Merlot, it is important to use the right glassware, such as a large, bell-shaped wine glass with a wide bowl, to allow for proper aeration and enhance the wine's aromas. Decanting can also benefit Merlot, especially younger wines, as it softens the tannins and brings out the wine's full potential. Now, when it comes to cheese, there are several options that pair well with Merlot. Sharp Cheddar is a classic combination, with its bold sharp flavours contrasting nicely with the rich and smooth characteristics of the wine. Other recommended cheeses include Brie, Camembert, Gorgonzola, and Jarlsberg, which complement the wine's fruity, dark berry flavours and minimize the tannins and acidity. Merlot BellaVitano, a unique Cheddar-Parmesan-inspired Italian cheese immersed in Merlot wine, is another excellent choice, especially when melted and paired with dried nuts and fruits, and crusty bread. So, the next time you're hosting a gathering or simply unwinding at home, create lasting memories by serving Merlot with these carefully selected cheeses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese pairings | Merlot pairs well with sharp Cheddar, light creamy Brie, Camembert, Gorgonzola, Gouda, Jarlsberg, and Parmesan |
| Cheese coating | The rind is safe to eat and can complement the cheese, although some may find it bitter or unpleasant |
| Glassware | Use a large, bell-shaped wine glass with a wide bowl for proper aeration and enhanced aromas |
| Decanting | Merlot benefits from decanting, especially if it's young, as it allows the wine to breathe and softens harsh tannins |
| Serving temperature | The ideal serving temperature impacts the taste and fragrance of the Merlot |
| Food pairings | Merlot goes well with tomato-based sauces, creamy, and rich foods. It also pairs well with dried nuts and fruits, crusty Italian or French bread |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Merlot wine: tannins, acidity, and temperature
Merlot is a versatile and classic wine with fruit-forward flavours and a soft and elegant body. It is made from dark-blue-coloured wine grapes, which are identified by their loose bunches of large berries. The name Merlot is thought to be a diminutive of "merle", the French name for blackbird, which is likely a reference to the colour of the grape.
Merlot is known for its relatively low tannin content, which creates a smoother, less bitter mouthfeel compared to other red wines. Tannins are chemicals predominantly found in the skins, seeds, and stems of grapes, as well as the wood in which the wine ages. While they do not carry any smell or taste, tannins give wine structure and texture by introducing astringency, which causes a dry mouth sensation. The amount of time the wine spends in contact with the grape skins during fermentation influences the final tannin level, with shorter periods resulting in softer finishes.
The acidity of Merlot varies depending on the production style and region. The ""International style" of Merlot, favoured by many New World wine regions, tends to have higher alcohol content and lower acidity due to later harvesting. In contrast, the traditional "Bordeaux-style" Merlot involves earlier harvesting, resulting in more medium-bodied wines with moderate alcohol levels and higher acidity. Washington state Merlots are also noted for their balanced acidity, attributed to the region's climate, which contributes to a significant diurnal temperature variation.
The temperature at which Merlot is served can also impact the perception of acidity and tannin levels. Warm-temperature Merlot pairs well with fruit salads and desserts, bringing out the wine's fruity notes. When served at cooler temperatures, Merlot's acidity and tannin structure become more pronounced. This makes it a better match for savoury dishes, such as tomato-based pasta or gravy-based dishes, which can balance the wine's acidity.
The Art of Serving Cheese: A Guide
You may want to see also
Cheese pairings: Cheddar, Brie, Camembert, and Gorgonzola
Merlot is a medium- to full-bodied wine with notes of cherry, plum, chocolate, bay leaf, and vanilla. It has a soft, sensual texture and a friendly style. Merlot is produced from red-skinned grapes that can adapt to a range of climates, resulting in wines at various pricing ranges.
Cheddar
Cheddar is a sharp cheese that pairs well with Merlot. For an enhanced experience, try Merlot BellaVitano, which is a Cheddar-Parmesan-inspired Italian farmstead cow's milk cheese soaked in Merlot wine. It has a creamy texture and a robust flavour. The cheese can be melted into an omelette, where it tastes like extra sharp Cheddar with a hint of sparkling wine as an aftertaste.
Brie
Brie is a soft, creamy, and buttery cheese with nutty flavours. It is a very versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of red and white wines, including Merlot. The subtle tanginess and rich cream flavours of Brie pair well with Merlot, subduing its acidity and leaving a nutty, buttery taste on the palate.
Camembert
Camembert is a rich and creamy cheese. It is loved for its texture and taste. When paired with Merlot, it enhances the wine, making the fruity, dark berry flavours of the wine stand out. The richness of the cheese coats the mouth, minimising the tannins and acidity in the wine.
Gorgonzola
Gorgonzola is a sharp, creamy, and subtly sweet cheese with pungent properties. It is a full-bodied cheese with a complex and intense flavour profile. The creaminess and slight sweetness of the cheese complement the Merlot, while the sharp bite at the end prevents the cheese from getting lost in the tannins or acidity of the wine.
Cheese Cubes: How Many Are Too Many?
You may want to see also
Glassware: large, bell-shaped with a wide bowl
When serving Merlot, selecting the right glassware is crucial. Using a large, bell-shaped wine glass with a wide bowl is the best way to serve this wine. This shape allows for proper aeration and enhances the wine's aromas, which is essential for enjoying Merlot to the fullest. The wide bowl allows the wine to breathe, softening any harsh tannins and bringing out the wine's full potential.
The large, bell-shaped glass with a wide opening is often used for red wines, like Merlot, as it helps to emphasize the wine's bouquet and flavour. This type of glassware is also ideal for swirling the wine, which increases aeration and releases the wine's full aroma.
The wide bowl directs the wine to the tip of the tongue and sides, highlighting the wine's sweetness and downplaying its acidity. This is perfect for a medium- to full-bodied wine like Merlot, which has a well-rounded taste with less dryness and a balanced presentation of tannins and acidity.
The shape of the glass also helps to showcase the wine's colour and clarity, adding to the overall sensory experience of enjoying a glass of Merlot. Whether it's a casual get-together or a special occasion, serving Merlot in the right glassware elevates the moment and creates lasting memories with friends and loved ones.
The Ultimate Guide to Serving Cougar Gold Cheese
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Decanting: young wines benefit from breathing
Decanting is a process that allows young wines to breathe, and it is particularly beneficial for Merlot. Young wines can be harsh and tannic, but decanting helps to soften these qualities and bring out the wine's full potential. Decanting is the act of pouring wine from the bottle into a decanter, which is then used to serve the wine. This process introduces oxygen to the wine, which helps to open up its flavours.
Merlot is a medium- to full-bodied wine with smooth tannins and notes of black cherry, plum, and hints of chocolate. It is a versatile wine that pairs well with various dishes, especially cheese. The creamy texture of cheese complements the structured tannins in wine, creating a harmonious palate experience.
When pairing Merlot with cheese, it is essential to consider the different types of cheese that can enhance the wine's flavours. For example, sharp Cheddar, Gorgonzola, Brie, Camembert, and Cheddar are all excellent choices that can either enhance the wine or have their bold flavours brought out by the wine.
In addition to cheese, Merlot pairs well with various dishes. It is excellent with tomato-based sauces, creamy and rich foods, roasted vegetables, mushrooms, beans, and other earthy ingredients like shallots and garlic. Merlot's acidity and structure also make it a good match for the tartness of cranberries in chicken dishes. When considering how to serve Merlot with food, it is essential to remember that cuisine with too much salt will make Merlots with above-average alcohol content taste hot.
The Ultimate Guide to Serving Finnish Bread Cheese
You may want to see also
Food pairings: tomato-based sauces, dried nuts, and fruits
Merlot is a medium- to full-bodied wine with notes of cherry, plum, chocolate, bay leaf, and vanilla. It has fewer tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon, making it more food-friendly. Its low dryness and well-balanced tannins and acidity make it a versatile wine that pairs well with various foods, including tomato-based sauces, creamy, rich, and heavy flavours.
Tomato-based sauces are a great match for Merlot. The acidity of the tomatoes will cut through the richness of the wine, while the wine's tannins and acidity will complement the sauce's depth of flavour. Try pairing Merlot with a classic Italian tomato sauce, such as a rich Bolognese or a simple, fresh pomodoro sauce.
Dried nuts and fruits are another excellent pairing with Merlot. The wine's fruity notes of plum and cherry will be enhanced by the sweetness of the dried fruits, while the nutty flavours will find a complement in the wine's subtle nutty hints. Imagine a platter of dried apricots, cranberries, and figs, along with roasted almonds, pistachios, and walnuts, all enjoyed with a glass of Merlot.
Merlots also pair well with sharp cheeses, such as Cheddar, and creamy varieties like Brie, Camembert, and Gorgonzola. The bold, sharp flavours of Cheddar contrast nicely with the rich smoothness of Merlot, while the creaminess and slight sweetness of Brie and Camembert marry well with the wine, their richness coating the mouth and minimising the tannins and acidity. Gorgonzola, with its sharp, creamy profile and hint of sweetness, is a full-bodied cheese that will stand up to the Merlot, ensuring neither the cheese nor the wine gets lost.
The Art of Serving Armenian String Cheese
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Merlot is a popular, medium- to full-bodied red wine with notes of cherry, plum, and chocolate. It pairs well with a variety of cheeses, including sharp Cheddar, light creamy Brie, Camembert, Gorgonzola, and Jarlsberg.
Yes, serving Merlot in a large, bell-shaped wine glass with a wide bowl enhances the wine's aromas. Decanting Merlot, especially if it's young, allows it to breathe and softens its tannins.
Merlot BellaVitano is an Italian cow's cheese immersed in Merlot wine, giving it hints of berry and plum, along with nutty and fruity flavours. It pairs well with dried nuts and fruits, crusty bread, and wines like Shiraz, Pinot Noir, and wheat beers.
Sip the wine first to understand its taste, then take a bite of cheese, and finally, sip the wine again to observe how the cheese changes its taste.
For an enhanced experience, try comparing Merlots from different regions, such as Bordeaux, Italy, and Chile, to appreciate the variations in flavour and how they interact with different cheeses.
