How to Age Merlot
The most widely grown varietal in France's Bordeaux region, merlot grapes produce a full-bodied red wine that pairs well with beef and lamb dishes. A good quality merlot tastes jammy or fruity, with spicy notes of berry, cherry or plum. Merlot typically has mild tannins, a component of grape skins that creates a dry, puckery sensation in your mouth. Tannins also contribute to the aging process. Inexpensive merlots are ready to drink when you purchase them. More expensive and complex wines may improve with age. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Identify any specific recommendations for aging your bottle of merlot. Read the winemaker's suggestions on the bottle's back label. Ask your wine seller for advice. Search online databases for wine-tasting notes.
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Store a wine bottle with a traditional cork on its side. The horizontal position keeps the cork moist, which prevents air from entering the bottle and spoiling the wine. Lay the bottle on the floor, on a shelf or in a wine rack. Store a bottle with a plastic cork or a screw top on its side, or stand it upright.
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Age wine in a cool location. The ideal temperature for aging wine is 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Monitor the temperature of your storage area with a thermometer. Keep wine away from sources of heat, including furnaces and water heaters. Most kitchens and laundry rooms are too warm for aging wine.
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Control the humidity in your storage area. Monitor the level with a hygrometer. The ideal humidity level for aging wine is 70 percent, but most wines tolerate a range of 50 percent to 80 percent. Dry air can shrink the cork, while high humidity promotes mold growth. Refrigerators are too dry for long-term storage.
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Sample a bottle of wine from a collection on a regular schedule. If you have several identical bottles of merlot, open one every three to six months. Taste the wine to determine if it is ready to drink. Fully aged merlot tastes smooth, soft and fruity, without any harsh or bitter notes. Once your wine has matured, drink the remaining bottles within the next month or two. Aging wine too long destroys its quality.
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Tips & Warnings
Sediment may settle in the bottom of a bottle of aged merlot. Decant an older wine by slowly pouring it into your glass. Stop pouring when sediment appears in the neck of the bottle.
If you don't have a suitable storage area in your home, consider purchasing a wine refrigerator or other dedicated wine storage unit. These maintain the correct temperature and humidity level for aging wine.
Avoid storing wine in a location that is hot during the day and cold at night, such as a garage or an unheated sunroom. Do not allow wine to freeze.
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