Merlot
A softer, more approachable red wine with plush tannins and ripe fruit flavors. Perfect for those new to red wine.
Flavor Profile
Plum, cherry, chocolate, bay leaf, vanilla
Body & Sweetness
medium body, dry
Key Regions
Bordeaux, California, Washington State, Chile
Serving Temperature
60-65°F (15-18°C)
Best Foods to Pair with Merlot
These dishes complement the plum notes of Merlot.
Steak
Grilled, pan-seared, or broiled beef steak including ribeye, filet mignon, NY strip, and sirloin.
💡 The fattier the cut, the more tannic the wine should be. Ribeye loves Cabernet; filet pairs well with Merlot.
Roast Beef
Slow-roasted beef including prime rib, pot roast, and beef tenderloin.
💡 Match the richness of the roast with a full-bodied red. Consider the sauce - mushroom gravy pairs with Pinot Noir.
Burgers
Classic beef burgers, cheeseburgers, and gourmet burger variations.
💡 Zinfandel's jammy fruit complements burger toppings. For fancy burgers with blue cheese, try a bold Cabernet.
Roasted Chicken
Whole roasted chicken, roasted chicken pieces, or rotisserie chicken.
💡 Oaked Chardonnay matches the richness of roasted chicken skin. For herb-roasted, try Pinot Noir.
Duck
Roasted duck, duck breast, duck confit, and Peking duck.
💡 Duck's richness pairs beautifully with Pinot Noir. For duck with fruit sauce, try an off-dry Riesling.
Pork
Pork chops, pork tenderloin, pork roast, and pulled pork.
💡 Pork is versatile! Grilled pork chops love Pinot Noir; pulled pork BBQ pairs with Zinfandel.
Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms, stuffed mushrooms, mushroom risotto, and truffle dishes.
💡 Earthy Pinot Noir is the perfect match for mushrooms. For truffle dishes, splurge on Burgundy.
BBQ & Smoked Meats
Ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and smoked meats with BBQ sauce.
💡 Zinfandel's bold fruit and spice stands up to smoky, sweet BBQ sauce. It's the American classic.
Ready to Try Merlot?
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