On the occasion of International Merlot Day, sommelier Nikhil Agarwal tells you what makes this underappreciated wine varietal worth ordering at your next dinner party
What is Merlot?
It's a grape variety that's dark blue in colour and found in most wine-growing regions. It's one of the varietals used in the red Bordeaux blend, which is a much-loved wine across the globe. However, it is also enjoyed as a single varietal, although it is often overshadowed by the rather aggressive Cabernet Sauvignon.
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What does it taste like?
Merlot is a dry red wine that is fruit-forward and low on tannins as compared to a Cabernet Sauvignon. It has notes of chocolate and cherry, and aging it in oak gives it more complexity.
What can I pair it with?
This type of wine pairs well with food that has some amount of char on it, so I would recommend having it with grilled or roasted meats or vegetables. Alternatively, it tastes fantastic with cheese, or with a creamy pasta or risotto.
Nikhil Agarwal
Who can drink it?
Because Merlot is low on tannins and has a fruity character (without being sweet), it is a great wine for beginners. However, that does not mean only beginners should try it. In fact, several wineries are now increasing the proportion of Merlot in their blended wines, as the lower tannin content means wines take less time to open up.
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Where can I try it?
Your best bets are The Table in Colaba, Pali Village Cafe and Olive Bar &âu00c2u0080u00c2u0088Kitchen in Bandra, and Masque in Mahalaxmi. That said, any restaurant in the city that stocks wines is sure to have a Merlot whether in the form of a blend, or a single varietal.
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