One of the most important missions at Dos Cuerpos is to understand the background of all our products - who crafts them, why, and how - as well as the historical, social, and artistic aspects they carry. This time, we want to share the story and some curiosities about the Merlot grape.
Merlot is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world, and in Mexico, it has contributed to crafting elegant wines that once again showcase the wonders of the Mexican terroir. Originally from Bordeaux, France, just like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, it is part of the so-called Bordeaux blend. It's a valuable element in this blend due to its ability to produce wines with low tannins and mild acidity. This means it's often mixed with other varietals that contribute more tannins to achieve a perfect balance. That's why this grape is sometimes used to soften wines. Other common varietals used in blends with Merlot are Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
Although it's a delicate grape with a medium-low yield, it's highly fertile and adaptable, and it has spread all over the world. This grape, like Malbec, was affected by the 1956 frost in France, which led to its prohibition. As a result, it was introduced to different regions worldwide. Countries where Merlot can be found include Argentina, Spain, Chile, South Africa, Italy, and Australia. After Cabernet Sauvignon, it's the second most widely planted grape globally, with around 270,000 hectares of cultivation.
Merlot is known for its approachable tannins, making it easy to drink for any palate. Its color is intense ruby, similar to Cabernet Franc and MencÃa, thanks to its richness in resveratrol and anthocyanins. Its skin, where the color comes from, is thick and almost black with hints of blue. This color resemblance led to the name "merlot," which comes from "merle noir," meaning blackbird (just kidding, Merlot and blackbirds have nothing in common). Throughout history, this grape has had various names. The first was "Crabatut Noir" in the 14th century, and it gradually acquired other names like Planta de Médoc, Vitraille, Alicante, Bigney Rouge, Crabutet Noir, and others.
Interestingly, there's also White Merlot, although it's mostly found in France and produces lighter and drier wines compared to the red version.
Some experts recommend using Merlot for aging to create wines that can be stored for a longer time. For this purpose, many producers harvest the grapes before they reach full maturity to achieve higher acidity and better aging potential. Nonetheless, this grape also produces excellent young wines with a rounded and structured body. Its quick maturation allows for its lightness.
Once you've acquired your favorite Merlot, let it breathe for about fifteen minutes, chill it to a common red wine temperature of 15-18°C (59-64°F), play the song "Danza de los Mirlos" by our Peruvian friends, and pair it with your choice of dishes. We've provided a couple of recommendations to explore all the qualities of Merlot:
Appetizer:
Freshly baked bread, butter or pâté, salami or ham, and cheese like Gruyère, Cheddar, or Brie. If the Merlot you're enjoying is an aged one, stronger cheese works even better.
Green or black olives.
Nuts.
Main Course:
Grilled chicken with vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
Pizza with tomato-based sauce.
Arrachera tacos with a good salsa (Merlot pairs well with spiciness).
Spicy garlic salmon with creamy rice. Actually, any fish with intense flavor and some fat, like cod or tuna, will complement it.
Tacos al pastor-style salmon.
Oven-roasted lamb with thyme, mint, rosemary, and served with sautéed potatoes.
Grilled or roasted vegetables: tomatoes, mushrooms, onion, sweet potato, potato, squash (add cheese, no lemon). This vegetarian dish is delightful with Merlot. Pasta with basil and árbol chili.
Dessert: Merlot's natural sweetness calls for less sweet desserts.
Dark chocolate.
Crackers with goat cheese and ricotta.
Cornbread.
Pumpkin cupcakes.
At Dos Cuerpos, we specialize in tastings and the distribution of Mexican agave distillates and wine. Tasting is a reflection on the alcohol being sampled, and these texts aim to promote continuous reflection. Let us know if you enjoyed this text, if it helped you in any way, and please inform us of any discrepancies.
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