List of Merlot Wines

Merlot wine goes down smoothly.

Made from the Merlot grape, Merlot wine tastes a bit fruitful, reminiscent of dark plums or black cherries. Considered a perfect wine for beginning wine drinkers, Merlot goes down more smoothly and tastes sweeter than some of its more acidic competitors. Harvested worldwide, the grapes grow best in areas that are both sunny and consistently chilly. The world's most famous Merlots come from Washington State, France and California's Napa Valley. Additionally, Italy and British Columbia produce large quantities of Merlot. The grapes typically get blended with a variety of other grapes in order to achieve the smooth texture and flavor. Merlot accompanies almost every food very nicely, especially beef, cheese and chocolate.

Pepper Bridge: 2001 Walla Walla Valley Merlot

The Pepper Bridge Winery produces an earthy Merlot .

In the most remote part of Washington State's wine region, the Walla Walla Valley offers just the right climate, soil and conditions in which to grow grapes of superb quality. The Pepper Bridge Winery produces an earthy Merlot which reminds one of chilly, smoky autumn evenings. The wine's taste consists of dark berries, cocoa and the tiniest hint of vanilla. Fermented from grapes planted in 1991, the Pepper Bridge 2001 vintage Merlot holds a top spot as a favorite today among wine critics worldwide. This wine accompanies roast pork or roast beef beautifully.

Fortant White Merlot 2002

This white wine has a sweet fragrance.

The demand for white wine explodes each year during the summer months when folks prefer to drink chilled wines. Additionally, white wines generally cost quite a bit less than their red competitors. Fortant Merlot's 2002 fragrance smells sweetly of summertime and ripe raspberries. This fruity sweetness, blended with just the right amount of acidity, led to the creation of a refreshing white Merlot. Its velvety texture allows it to be a lovely accompaniment to any summertime meal.

Duckhorn Vineyards 2002: Napa Valley Merlot

Napa grows a lot of Merlot grapes.

World renown for its more than 300 vineyards and wineries, the Napa Valley in California grows more Merlot grapes than any other region. By using a combination of Napa Valley-grown merlot grapes, the 30-year-old Duckhorn Vineyard produces a delicious rich and polished Merlot. Upon first sipping the Merlot, cherry and vanilla flavors immediately emerge, but these are soon followed with a hint of licorice and cedar. The 2002 Duckhorn Merlot accompanies any rich meat, such as lamb or venison, wonderfully.

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2001: Columbia Valley Canoe Ridge Estate Merlot

The flavors of Christmas spices and black currants blend together.

Produced in beautiful Woodinville, Wash., this Merlot combines holiday flavors to emerge as the perfect accompaniment to any big celebratory meal, such as Cornish hen or stuffed turkey. The flavors of Christmas spices and black currants blend together in one's glass to create a longing for a cozy family gathering in front of the fireplace.

References

• Easy-Wine.net: White Merlot
• Wine & Spirits Magazine: Merlot
• Novus Vinum: Top Rated Merlot