What foods go well with Merlot wine?
Try grilled chicken with a glass of Merlot and you might be surprised how good they taste together. Pork, veal and lean cuts of beef are just a few examples of meats that pair well with this fruity grape variety. The easy-drinking, fruity character makes Merlot a pleasant wine with red meats.
What are the best cheeses with Merlot?
The best cheeses with Merlot are aged, blue, stinky, and pungent cheese. Pair Merlot with aged Cheddar, aged Gouda, Gorgonzola, Stilton, Parmesan, Camembert, and Brie. For a complete guide to Wine and Food Pairing, download my new eBook today!
What are the best wine and snack pairings?
Snacks with herbs, such as marinated olives, pairs very well with crisp herbaceous wines (like Sauvignon Blanc eller Cabernet Franc ). Tips! The best wine and snack pairings are also a matter of personal taste. Why not try your favorite wine with your favourite snack? Chips with Champagne (and many more!)
What are the best Merlot meals for 2020?
One of our final 2020 #MerlotMe pairings featured the 2017 Napa Valley Merlot ($56, 14. 5% ABV) from Duckhorn. Always one of our favorite sources for Merlot, this was a good pairing for the hearty mushroom and pork combo. Followed our Garlic Mushroom Pork Chops with Quinoa recipe, but skipped the quinoa.
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What snack compliments red wine?
Pairing Snacks and WineCheese Curls. Cabernet Sauvignon: Cheddar cheese pairs well with the wine's cherry and black currant flavors so could crunchy or puffy cheese curl snacks.Hummus Dip. ... Nuts. ... Popcorn. ... Potato Chips. ... Pretzels. ... Tortilla Chips. ... Veggies and Dip.More items...•
What cheese is good with Merlot?
Other cheeses that go well with merlot include asiago, brick, muenster, gouda, brie, colby, camembert, and a blue-veined cheese like gorgonzola.
What should I eat while drinking wine?
What to Eat With Wine: 11 Fantastic OptionsSangiovese Pairs with Pizza and Other Tomato-Based Dishes. ... Pinot Grigio Pairs with Seafood Dishes. ... Rosé Pairs with Cheesy Dishes. ... Prosecco Pairs with Prosciutto and Melon. ... Malbec Pairs with Barbecue Dishes. ... Cabernet Sauvignon Pairs with Steak and Other Red Meats.More items...•
What chocolate goes with Merlot?
OUR RECOMMENDATIONSWHITE CHOCOLATE. pairs well with Riesling, Moscato d'Asti, Sweeter Rosè ... MILK CHOCOLATE. pairs well with Pinot Noir, Merlot, Gewurtztraminer. ... DARK CHOCOLATE. pairs well with Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot. ... HAZELNUT CHOCOLATE. pairs well with Brachetto d'Acqui.
Does Merlot go with chicken?
Chicken with Savory/Earthy Flavors With tomato and pepper-based sauces—try a medium-bodied French or Spanish red or even a Merlot. Chicken with a barbecue sauce—can take a more full-bodied red with a touch of sweetness like a Shiraz, Grenache or Zinfandel.
What should you not eat when drinking wine?
Chocolate, caffeine or cocoa should also be avoided while drinking alcohol or after it. They also aggravate gastro issues, which is triggered by other acidic food.
What is the best thing to eat before drinking alcohol?
The 15 Best Foods to Eat Before Drinking AlcoholEggs. Eggs are highly nutritious and filling, packing 7 grams of protein per one 56-gram egg ( 1 ). ... Oats. ... Bananas. ... Salmon. ... Greek yogurt. ... Chia pudding. ... Berries. ... Asparagus.More items...•
What meal goes with red wine?
Slow-roast lamb with cinnamon, fennel & citrus. Beef fillet with beetroot & horseradish. ... Sizzling sausage salad. ... Succulent braised venison. ... Steak with chunky chips & horseradish cream. ... Roast duck legs with red wine sauce. ... Easy mezze plate. ... Sizzled sausage pasta. ... Goat's cheese & cranberry tartlets.More items...
What cheeses pair with red wine?
Red wines play well with bold, hearty, and aged cheeses like cheddar or gouda. These cheeses can stand up to the extra tannins red wine has, compared to white wine.
When should I drink merlot?
Merlot is uniquely grown in both cool and warm climates. It can be considered a 'middle of the road' wine with medium tannin levels and medium acidity. That being said, it should be served between 60° F and 65° F.
What cheese goes well with Shiraz?
Syrah Cheese Pairing Pair Syrah with salty cheeses like pecorino, Grana padano, or even halloumi. Gouda, asiago, grueyere, and aged cheddar also make for a good Syrah cheese pairing.
What cheese goes with cabernet?
Cheddar CheeseCheddar Cheese It will help bring out some of the citrus notes in the wine and acts as a great palate cleanser. If you're looking for something that everyone knows, and tastes great with cabernet sauvignon, then cheddar cheese is the perfect choice.
What to serve with merlot?
Light, quaffable merlots. Tend to work with dishes with which you might otherwise drink a gamay or a sangiovese: Pizza and other toasted cheese dishes such as panini and quesadillas. Pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces, especially with pancetta/bacon or mushrooms.
What are some good side dishes to serve with merlot?
Merlot-friendly accompaniments for main dishes are caramelised roast veggies especially those with a touch of sweetness, such roast squash, red peppers and beets and - as mentioned above - fried or grilled mushrooms.
What wine pairs well with a red wine sauce?
Because a great many merlots are medium-bodied they tend to pair well with richly sauced dishes such as steak (or even fish) in a red wine sauce or with casseroles, where a more powerfully tannic wine would be overwhelming. (It’s also a good wine to use when you’re cooking, making a rich base for red wine sauces)
What are some good recipes for Thanksgiving?
Spaghetti and meatballs . Baked pasta dishes such as lasagne and similar veggie bakes. Macaroni cheese. Meatloaf. Burgers - especially cheeseburgers. Spicy rice dishes such as jambalaya. Bean dishes with smoked ham or chorizo. Roast turkey (a ripe merlot makes a good Thanksgiving or Christmas bottle)
Is merlot a red wine?
Merlot has one of the widest ranges of styles of any red wine from the light, quaffable merlots of the Veneto to the grandest of Bordeaux. Obviously one type of food doesn’t go with them all but merlot is your flexible friend when it comes to wine pairing, smoother, rounder and less tannic than cabernet sauvignon with which, of course, ...
About Merlot Wine
Merlot is one of the most popular grape varieties and it is planted in almost every wine producing country. In fact, Merlot is the second most planted grape variety in the world after Cabernet Sauvignon. It comes originally from Bordeaux in southwestern France.
Merlot food pairing
Merlot is an excellent food wine due to its soft tannins, medium high acidity, and enjoyable fruit flavours. Merlot wine is almost always dry, but the strong fruit flavours can give an illusion of sweetness. Its position in the middle of the red wine spectrum makes it possible to pair it with both white and dark meat.
Merlot with Chicken & other Poultry
What is the best food pairing with Merlot? Most people would say lean meats such as chicken and other poultry. The light meat from poultry goes well with the fruity flavours and soft texture of the wine. Chicken, turkey and duck are all good choices for your bottle of Merlot.
Merlot with red Meat
Pork, veal and lean cuts of beef are just a few examples of meats that pair well with this fruity grape variety. The easy-drinking, fruity character makes Merlot a pleasant wine with red meats. For heavier meat dishes, choose a Merlot from the warm climate region as they tend to be more full-bodied.
Merlot with Cheese
What cheese goes best with Merlot? Merlot and even some Merlot-blends pair well with hard cheeses like Cheddar, Manchego, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Grana Padano and Pecorino. These cheeses have salty and savoury flavours that pair wonderfully with medium- and full-bodied red wines.
Merlot with Snacks
Merlot is not the typical wine to have with salty and fatty snacks, due to its quite low acidity. It is, however, a great wine for many different types of finger foods and hearty appetizers. Appetizers that go well with Merlot usually include olives, cheese, meat or mushrooms. Merlot will also be good together with different types of charcuterie.
Merlot with Fish
Is Merlot good with fish? In most cases no, but there are some exceptions. Merlot is a dry medium bodied wine with soft, but rich flavours. The wine will most likely overpower the delicate flavours of most fish or seafood dish. If you want to learn more about pairing red wine with fish, you can read our guide Best wine with salmon.
What wine goes well with merlot?
How to Pair Food Appetizers With Merlot. Merlot is a deep, red wine made with not only grapes but cherries and plums. It goes best with heavier, hearty foods. The medium- to full-bodied taste makes it a perfect wine to pair with a wide variety of appetizers. If you are planning a party or dinner and need to know which appetizers would go best ...
What sauce should I use for mini pizza?
Try to incorporate a thick and rich tomato sauce into some of your appetizers. Mini pizzas work well with the wine and can be as casual or gourmet as you'd like with the toppings -- pepperoni and cheese works just as well for a topping as artichoke hearts or even shrimp.
What kind of meat should I use for a kabob?
Have at least one kind of meat kabob. Red meat or lamb and Merlot are matches made in heaven. Besides mini kabobs, you can use red meat by serving mini burgers, steak medallions tossed with a gravy or steak quesadillas. Have a selection of chocolates available to offer a sweet partnership with the Merlot. You can go gourmet with dark chocolates ...
Can you go gourmet with Merlot?
Have a selection of chocolates available to offer a sweet partnership with the Merlot. You can go gourmet with dark chocolates or use simple grocery store brands.
What are some good pairings with Merlot?
Why it works: Beef, mushrooms, and Merlot are pairing up again. Do you sense a trend? Add a little melty cheese on top. Merlot would practically pour itself to pair up with this burger.
Why is beef stew good with Merlot?
And of all the beef stews that pair great, this one made the list because it's a wonderful, make-ahead meal that cooks all day. At dinner, a soft, luscious Merlot will step right up to it and be all, " You and me, it's on !"
What herbs are used in grilled lamb chops?
And the feeling is very much mutual. "Enjoy fresh herbs with these grilled lamb chops, says Bibi. "I used what was in my garden: mint, rosemary, parsley, and chives. You may use whatever combination you like! Lamb is very delicate and will stay tender and tasty at medium-rare. Lamb chops grill very quickly, so watch them closely."
What meat is in meatloaf in Tennessee?
This one is billed as "the most delicious meatloaf in the state." Believe it. It boasts a holy trinity of Merlot-loving meats: ground beef, pork, and veal. The glaze will amaze with a nice plummy Merlot.
Can you use merlot with pork chops?
Why it works: Pair merlot with chops on the grill and you're guaranteed success. Lamb chops, pork chops, it doesn't matter; if chickens had chops I'm sure they'd be great with Merlot, too.
Does Merlot work on burgers?
Why it works: Say yes to Merlot and burgers in general. By the same token, give the nod to Merlot and lamb in general. And to lamb burgers specifically? The answer is yes.
Can you drink Merlot with chicken?
Why it works: Wait, roast chicken with white, right? Well, ok, maybe. But no, go Merlot here. It's a matter of preference, obviously. But if you typically prefer to drink red with dinner, a simple, basic roast chicken with herbs goes really well with Merlot.
What is a good pairing for merlot?
Merlot, when made in a medium-bodied style, pairs best with duck, meatloaf, pepperoni pizza, beef fajitas, pulled pork, osso bucco, kielbasa and lasagna . Plush with juicy flavours of plum and cherries, Merlot also features notes of bittersweet chocolate and smoke, creating a very seductive red wine.
What meat pairs well with Merlot?
Duck is a rich meat that pairs perfectly with Merlot because the fat in the duck accentuates the fruit flavors in the wine, while at the same time, helps round out Merlot’s acidity.
What is the best wine to serve with duck?
If the duck has a fruit reduction sauce, Merlot’s plush fruit flavours of black cherries, cassis, strawberry and plum and the rich and sweet sauce will pair perfectly. In this instance, I’d go with a warmer climate Merlot from California, that showcases deeper notes of chocolate, cooked cherries and prunes.
What countries make Merlot wine?
California, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Chile and Argentina are just a few of the many countries outside of France and Italy that make excellent Merlot based red wines. Merlot is easily available, and frequently found on wine lists either by the bottle or glass. Merlot is also one of the best wines to serve at Weddings and Banquets. The silky soft flavours of cherry and plum make it an incredible crowd-pleaser. Additional flavours of caramel, brown sugar, smoke and cocoa, only further seal the deal. Meanwhile, the moderate tannin and acidity make Merlot a winner with a wide variety of dishes you’d serve at large events, such as, roast beef, lasagna, pork chops, turkey, and chicken cacciatore.
What is the best wine to use with pepperoni pizza?
For pairing Pepperoni Pizza and Merlot, stick to a French or Italian Merlot which have more herbal (rosemary, anise) flavours that will go nice with the tomato sauce. Merlot from old-world regions tend to feature higher acidity, which helps ensure they won’t clash with the high-acidity of the tomato sauce.
What is the best Merlot to drink with rabbit?
A Fruit forward Merlot will cover up the gaminess of Rabbit, while serving up plenty of refreshment. Rabbit is a lean game meat and has very little fat, thus, a medium-bodied Merlot from California, which isn’t heavy in tannin, will go great with the leaner rabbit flavours.
What is the best wine to use with pulled pork?
A medium-bodied Merlot for Chicken is delicious with Pulled Pork as the wine’s sweeter fruit flavors will go great with the BBQ sauce. The sweetness of Merlot is only perceived, due to the plum, cherry, cassis and strawberry flavours. Merlot is considered dry, velvety and rich, while having a long bitter chocolate finish.
What wine goes well with nachos?
Nachos with dip or guacamole are popular snacks with some spiciness. They go well with acidic wines with a hint of sweetness, such as Prosecco and Riesling. A Crémant de Loire or a Sauvignon Blanc will also be a good match.
What cheese goes well with white wine?
When it comes to pairing cheese and wine, it really depends on the type of cheese that you are going to be eating. There are hundreds of different cheese types and they differ a lot from each other. The majority of the cheeses are good to eat with a white wine with high acidity. A classic Sauvignon Blanc snack pairing is goat cheese.
What wine pairs well with olives?
Olives pair best with acidic, dry and herbaceous wines such as a r osé from Provence or a Sauvignon Blanc. If you want to drink red wine, try a Pinot Noir or a Cabernet Franc.
What wine should I pair with spicy chips?
If you eat spicy chips with chili flavour, you can pair them with a wine that has some sweetness, like Riesling. If you want to have red wine together with your chips, make sure to choose one with high acidity. Chips is in fact a great example of a snack that pairs well with Cabernet Sauvignon.
What wine goes well with prawns?
A simple platter of prawns for some reason feels much more glamorous that it actually is. Pop the Prosecco to go with them or a cool, steely, fairly neutral white, such as Chablis, Pinot Grigio, Muscadet or Picpoul.
What is the best wine to pair with chocolate?
Our favourite match is dark chocolate and Syrah . If it’s white or flavoured chocolate however, we have you covered in this feature.
Is it safe to eat cheese and crackers?
Cheese and crackers are always a pretty safe bet, but some are definitely safer options than others. Hard, nutty cheese? Best for full-bodied whites like Chardonnay, especially if oaked. Goats cheese? Try zippy, fresh whites like Sauvignon Blanc. For blue cheeses, forget what you’ve been told about dry red wines; it’s sweet wines that sing with the saltiness with these – whites particularly! Check out our longer article on wine and cheese pairings here.
Can you pair popcorn with wine?
I can almost hear you sigh with relief. Yes, popcorn is actually a very, easy pairing with a lot of wines. Whether salty, sweet or coated in caramel, there will be an ideal match. For salty, we like an Extra Brut Prosecco. Buttery? Needs a viognier or a Chardonnay. Here’s a longer article on the ‘science’ – ahem – of matching wine and popcorn.
What are some good pairings with Merlot?
Blackberries (a lot of my Merlot tasting notes indicate “blackberry fruit” so this is a natural) Tomatoes — cooked in a sauce, especially with a Merlot with a bit more acidity. Mushrooms. Fennel. Eggplant. Rosemary. Say Cheese: The addition of cheese can enhance many wine pairings, and Merlot is no exception.
What meat goes well with Merlot?
If I had to pick a favorite meat to serve as the basis for a recipe to pair with Merlot, I’d have to go with pork. Like the grape, pork has a lot of versatility, and you can prepare it with ingredients that play well with Merlot in order to come up with an excellent pairing. See our examples for inspiration, or come up with your own pork dish to pair with Merlot!
What wine is used for boneless pork ribs?
So a lot of people are coming across the Merlot love there! We paired the pork ribs with the Peju Winery Napa Valley Merlot, with very good results. The tannins and structure help the wine stand up to the meat, and there are enough subtle spice and herb notes to play along nicely with the BBQ sauce. **Top pairing
What are some good pairings with roasted beets?
I was reminded that Roasted Beets and Butternut Squash worked well with Merlot when I saw the picture of the Roast Turkey Breast with Cranberry Merlot Sauce, as it was plated with the Roasted Beets dish. The pairing description notes that the Merlot was very good with the beets.
What is the ABV of merlot?
The ABV ranges from the high 13% range up to 15%. When I have a number of Merlots on hand, I plan on the higher alcohol wines for heavier dishes such as pork and beef. The relatively lower alcohol bottles tend to be good options with the vegetarian or poultry meals.
What is a bridge ingredient?
Bridge ingredients are items that you can add to a recipe that help pick up the flavor profile and other characteristics of the grape. Adding one of more good Merlot bridging ingredients to a recipe can help set you up for a winning pairing!
Can you use Merlot with seafood?
Can Merlot go with seafood? If you’ve got a “meaty” fish like tuna it can. Our grilled Garlic Thyme Crusted Tuna paired quite nicely with the 2013 Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot.