Merlot Wines Are Outstanding From More Than Just France

Merlot Wines Are Outstanding

There are many great Merlot wines, but they are pricey. Merlot Wines Are Outstanding From More Than Just France. I would like to recommend great, but affordable Merlot wines for the most part with an occasional expensive one thrown in. Despite Miles not liking Merlot in the popular wine movie Sideways starring Paul Giamatti, it still has a strong following. Although, many of us may have missed the irony of him drinking his prized bottle of Cheval Blanc at the end. It’s made with Merlot. LOL

France Is Where It’s At!

Merlot is in many ways the opposite of Cabernet Sauvignon, so much so that they grow on opposite banks of the Gironde river in Bordeaux. It’s because Merlot grows better in the afternoon sun (right bank) and Cabernet in the morning sun (left bank). The French discovered this hundreds of years ago. Today they take advantage of these polar wines to blend the two to make some of the most expensive wines in the world. Look at the green areas of the map for Merlot.

Merlot is often a smooth and fruity wine, easy to drink despite being dry. Occasionally, you may get a fatty aroma which is unique to Merlot. Expect cherries, raspberries and/or plums in the taste. It does have some similarities to Cabernet as well, but it’s differences are interesting. For example, Merlot tastes horrible with chocolate probably due the the fatty characteristic it has. Whereas, Cabernet Sauvignon is delicious with chocolate.

Merlot Wines To Try

In the U.S., Washington state is known for making some good Merlot wines, therefore I recommend Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley. It’s a top notch winery. Also, the prices are affordable. There is no need to spend $30-$50 a bottle from California. Unless you can get your hands on some Sunstone Merlot, then it’s worth it. The only way to get it outside of California is to join their wine club. This why Merlot Wines Are Outstanding From More Than Just France.

Bordeaux

I’ll admit that my knowledge is limited with Bordeaux wines, but if the liquor store recommends a good villages (lesser) version or premier cru from one of the better chateaus, then I would try it. Also, you might find a less popular Chateau’s grand cru for $20-$25. Grand cru is their best classification. Typically, it’s the grape vines highest on the hills that are used. As you go down the hill, next is Premier cru followed by Villages wines.

Top Of The Hill

Chateau Petrus Grand Cru will set you back thousands depending on the year. This dwarfs the cost of some of the top chateaus. Let me know if you ever try some.

IF YOU WANT TO JOIN MY FACEBOOK PAGE CLICK HERE! https://www.facebook.com/howtopickawine/?modal=admin_todo_tour

If you would like to learn more about how to pick a wine, click here.