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What does Merlot taste like?
Merlot is one of those wines that are mostly loved by all. It's softer than most red wines which is why it's so popular and the flavours tend to sit around plum, black cherry, chocolate and sometimes with a hint of vanilla if it's prepared in oak. It's not as tannic or grippy as a Cabernet Sauvignon which makes it feel smoother and easier to drink. If you've never had red wine before or find some reds a bit too intense, Merlot is genuinely a good one to start with.
What is a good Merlot to try and from where I can buy it?
Dan Murphy stocks the best Merlot collection in Australia. Here are some incredible choices of Merlot that you can try.
- Annie's Lane Cabernet Merlot 2014
- Tempus Two Cabernet Merlot
- McGuigan Black Label Cabernet Merlot
- Cape Mentelle Trinders Cabernet Merlot 2012
Head to your local Dan Murphy’s and grab a bottle of your choice at the lowest price guaranteed. If you’re planning an event or want to stock your cellar, you can get boxes of 6 and 12 bottles. Otherwise, pick up a single bottle to enjoy. Once you’ve opened your Merlot, if you don’t finish the bottle, store it in the fridge and enjoy it later.
What is the difference between Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon?
Merlot is a softer red wine compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, which is a full-bodied red wine known for its bold, complex flavour. Merlot is the softer and Cabernet Sauvignon is more serious. Cabernet Sauvignon has firmer tannins, higher acidity, and flavours that sit more around blackcurrant, cedar, and dark chocolate. Whereas, Merlot is soft and round with gentle tannins, ripe fruit flavours with plum, cherry, a bit of chocolate.
What food goes well with Merlot?
Merlot is pretty easy to match with food because it's not an overpowering wine. The softer tannins mean it doesn't need heavy red meat the way Cabernet Sauvignon does. Some combinations that work really well:
- Grilled beef and lamb - classic pairing that always works
- Roast chicken - one of those matches that surprises people
- Veal chops - the wine doesn't overpower the delicate meat
- Pasta with red sauce - a very easy midweek pairing
- Blue cheese - the richness of the cheese sits well alongside Merlot
- Chocolate mousse and truffles for dessert - Merlot handles chocolate really well
It's also a good wine to have with a cheese board if you're not sure what everyone's eating.
What is the Dan Picked wine subscription?
Dan Picked is a wine subscription service from Dan Murphy's that takes the guesswork out of choosing what to drink. Pick a style: Big Bold Reds, Shiraz Series, Crisp Whites, or Richer Whites and a curated selection gets delivered to your door. There are two box sizes to choose from, a 6 bottle Discovery Box or a 12 bottle Big Box, both with free delivery. Each box also comes with tasting notes covering the wines inside, food pairings, and a bit of background on what makes each bottle worth trying.