Welcome to the fifth in a series of back to wine basics posts to help put you on the path to wine success! In the first three post, we covered the three white noble grapes, riesling, sauvignon blanc, and chardonnay. Meanwhile, in the fourth post we discussed the lightest of the reds, the earthy and fruity pinot noir.
Merlot is perhaps the most difficult of the six noble grapes, since as the grapes go, it shares the most in common (including a parent grape!) with cabernet sauvignon. Both wines are phenomenal when done correctly, but cabernet sauvignon has typically has the edge, with more structure, more predominate flavors, and more personality. This isn’t to say merlot is bad, in fact some of merlot’s reputation has been built off it’s softer approach to tannins while pulling flavors of blackberry, plums, cedar, and leather.
The most prominent produces are merlot remain Bordeaux (Pomerol & St.-Emilion) and California for plump, fleshy merlot. While not producing the same quality as France and California, other good examples can be found from Washington State. Leaner, sleeker examples can be found from Chile and New York.
Quick Facts on Merlot:
Color: Red
Style: Dry
Body: Medium
General Characteristics: Blackberry, Black Cherry, Plums, Cedar, Leather
Notable Regions: France (Pomerol & St.-Emilion), California, Washington, Chile, New York
Due to the propagation of merlot in the 1990s, finding good budget merlot isn’t as hard as finding a good budget pinot noir [in fact, winning the powerball might be slightly harder than this, if only]. That’s not to say there aren’t plenty of serviceable merlots, but finding value at under $10 can be tricky. 2012 Peirano Estate “Six-Clones” Merlot hails from one of the best growing regions for merlot, but can it deliver for an exceptional merlot experience at under $10?
Sight: 2012 Peirano Estate “Six-Clones” Merlot pours a moderate purple with hints of magenta near the edge. There are some slightly brickish notes.
Smell: Raspberries, strawberries, and red plums all come to the surface. Boysenberry and light cherry are hidden in the background. The slightest hints of oaks and vanilla join in, but fruit is primary.
Sip: 2012 Peirano Estate “Six-Clones” Merlot has a moderate body, and the brightness is incredibly balanced. The roundness is really fascinating, and complements the plum and raspberry nature of wine. There’s a light hint of bitter herbalness, plum skin, and spice, but generally it’s a warm and inviting palate.[A.B.V. 13%]
Savor: The ending strongly pulls on the plum side, with the tannins playing nicely. Spice and oak hints are gentle.
2012 Peirano Estate “Six-Clones” Merlot is a nice example of a round merlot with plenty of fruit forward flavors. If you happen to be a merlot fan, the value at under $10 is substantial here. The body is beautifully rounded, the palate is loaded with fruit, and a subtle touch of spice and tannin pulls it all together. If you haven’t had a decent Merlot yet, 2012 Peirano Estate “Six-Clones” Merlot will provide a great experience at a great price.
Verdict: Round, Plum, Berries, Subtle Spice
Price: $9.99
Lodi, California