Discover the qualities of the Merlot grape variety. It is native to the region of Bordeaux in France, where today it is still the main variety, ahead of the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Cabernet Franc. In fact, the Merlot is the most grown variety in France –and the second most grown variety in the world–, only surpassed by the Cabernet Sauvignon. It is also produced in other wine regions worldwide, as for example in Argentina –the fifth wine world producing country–, Spain, Italy or Chile. The wines produced with this variety are characterised by an intense ruby colour with violet hints and a wide array of aromas as well as by their fineness and smoothness, although they also have the particularity of presenting highly different qualities depending on the terroir where the vineyards are located. By means of Argento’s blog, The Real Experience, discover the main features of the Merlot wine, as well as the places and restaurants where you will be able to enjoy its flavour and aromas along with the dishes which it is best paired with. Our simple pairing guide will give you some clues in order for you to find the perfect menu to go with your Merlot wine. In general, Merlot wines combine very well with red meat and game, with hard cheese, with fatty fish –as tuna or salmon–, with pasta and rice and with pulses and vegetables. In other words, Merlot red wines are quite flexible. They can even be paired with desserts, as for example with chocolate or cheese with quince. The Merlot variety is also used to create rosé wines, which are the perfect choice for different kinds of dishes. The optimal temperature for a Merlot varietal wine to be served is 16 degrees.
When Luigi Bosca, a top wine producer from Mendoza, made his first appearance at the London Wine Fair in 1993 people shuffled up to his stand, looking curious. “Does Argentina actually make wine!?” How times have changed…