
Here is a list of outstanding merlot wines to drink on really any occasion. Picking the best merlot requires tasting hundreds of them, which I have painstakingly done for years, and in the end, the complex 2017 Realm The Tempest stood out among the rest.
BEST DRY RED WINE FOR DRINKING FULL
The goal, Touquette says, is to “always have minimal intervention in the winery,” so getting it right in the vineyard, making sure the berries are compact, and full of flavor, is the not-so-simple trick of making exceptional merlot. is very sensitive to heat,” he says, “so first we have to control the berry size,” which is done by assessing the risk of heat, and canopy management. “If you let the berries become too big,” he explains, “or if you don’t control the water, you have to watch out. “It’s merlot, you crazy fool!”įrench-born winemaker Benoit Touquette, the producer of my Best Overall merlot pick, says that the trick to making utterly lip-smacking merlot is to get it right in the vineyard. “No!” someone will shout from the rafters. It is the Queen’s Gambit, the tick before the tock, and in the right hands it is a chameleon: ”Is this a fine cabernet?” it will have you saying. Merlot is the king behind the king (if you still consider cabernet sauvignon the reigning king). They belong in your cellar and if you miss out you are really missing out.” I’ll say it,” said Giglio, “Cabernet takes a backseat to these modern merlots. I witnessed one of the great wine writers of our time, Anthony Giglio, giving an impassioned closing speech during a merlot seminar, in which he stated that iconic merlot vineyards are “now in their prime and making wines that are more approachable than cabernet but with cabernet structure to go the long haul. Lucky for you, that reputation for merlot is hogwash. Still, Merlot has a reputation for being a wine for first-time wine drinkers a wine with a light touch a starter wine of sorts. Originating in the Bordeaux region of France, merlot is classically known for producing a softer, fleshier wine than its outsized counterpoint, cabernet sauvignon, which is often blended with merlot because the merlot softens the cabernet. You may not realize it, but wine made from merlot grapes is probably your favorite wine. The wine is fruity and light, without heavy tannins, making it a favorite for new wine drinkers.Merlot makes a very tasty wine, period. It releases in November of every year and usually sells out before Christmas.

Australian Shirazs tend to be a bit on the peppery side while Syrahs tend to be a bit more fruity. Syrah: Syrah and its Australian sibling, Shiraz, are one and the same.Need some suggestions? Try Lindeman's Bin 99, Devil's Corner from Tamar Ridge or McMurray Ranch Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir: Light to medium bodied and super food friendly, it's so easy to fall in love with a Pinot Noir even if you don't fancy yourself a red wine enthusiast.Here are a few suggestions for a jumping off point: Then, as your wine palate develops, move on to the complex, full-bodied reds. Just as with white wines, you want to start out with simple reds.

It's also a wonderful summer wine because it is so refreshing.

The reason for this is because white wines are lighter bodied and easier on the palate than reds. It really is a matter of personal preference of whether or not you begin your wine drinking experience with reds or whites, but generally, it's best to begin with white wines.
