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Merlot

Merlot Wines

Top countries producing this wine:

Merlot still suffers from the negative publicity it received in 2004 from the wine-themed movie Sideways. But even before that movie, Merlot had begun to be perceived as a beginner’s wine — soft and simple. We think that’s an unfair conclusion: inferior examples of Merlot are usually the result of overprinting in the wrong soil types rather than any intrinsic deficiencies in the grape. In fact, some of the most sought-after collectible wines are Merlot-based, including the great Bordeaux of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. A single bottle of the current vintage of Château Pétrus will fetch prices in the neighborhood of $4,000!

How can one grape manifests itself as both wine plonk and memorable classics? Seemingly a wine paradox, Merlot’s identify crisis may be cleared up by this oft-repeated winemaker’s adage: The quality of the wine is directly proportional to the quality of the vineyards.

Merlot is the second-most planted red wine grape in the world, so there is bound to be variation in quality. As with all grapes, location and the reputation of the winemaker are the two most important details when it comes to producing great wine. The characteristics that make Merlot a noble wine worthy of seeking out are its potential for aging, full, ripe berry flavors, plumy or fruitcake middle and, yes, that velvety, plush finish.

White Wine

White Wines

Top white wine varietals:

There are many varieties of white wines on the market with flavors ranging from dry to sweet based on their sugar content. These wines are lighter-bodied than their red counterparts, but nonetheless can possess outstanding depth and complexity of flavor. Generally, white wines pair best with lighter foods like seafood and pasta, which don't overwhelm their delicate flavors.

Chardonnays, the most popular white wines in the world, often have hints of fruits, nuts, and other flavor notes, with medium to high acidity. They may or may not also have an oak taste depending on the containers used in fermentation. Rieslings, a popular grape grown most successfully in Germany, France's Alsace region, and New York's Finger Lakes region, often have flowery, fruity flavor notes and aromas. The crisp acidity of Sauvignon Blanc makes it the perfect refreshment on a hot summer day, and the versatile Pinot Grigio grape pairs easily with many different foods. Some other popular whites include Gewürztraminers, Moscatos, Chenin Blancs, and Viogniers.

One misconception of white wines is that they're only made from white or green grapes. While that's usually the case, that's not always the case. A wine develops its color based on how long the winemaker leaves the skins of the grapes (where the pigment is contained) on during the fermentation process. So, there are a few white wines that are actually made with red/purple/black grapes.

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