2013 St. Clement Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot

2013 St. Clement Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot

2013 St. Clement Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot Well-structured and elegant, this 2013 Merlot opens with notes of red and black cherry, red plum and cranberry. On the palate, it delivers on its promise of ripe red fruit and subtle spice with long, fine tannins.

Merlot

Merlot is the most popular and widely planted wine grape varietal in France, reaching its true zenith of expression in Bordeaux wine. Around the world, it’s the fifth most planted wine grape. Merlot has also been used to make stunning wines in Tuscany and to a much lesser degree in Switzerland, Australia, Argentina and numerous other countries, as well as in America. Merlot continues to gain in popularity as a grape for wine. In 1990, Merlot was the 7th most popular grape. By 2010, Merlot jumped to second place as the world’s most widely planted grape.

Only Cabernet Sauvignon has more vines planted. According to studies conducted by the University of California in Davis, the Merlot grape is related to Cabernet Franc and Carmenere. Thanks to DNA, it is now thought that Merlot is a cross between Cabernet Franc and the obscure grape Magdeleine Noire des Charentes. Merlot started earning a reputation for producing quality wine in 1784, due to the growing fame of the wines produced in the Right Bank of Bordeaux. While the Right Bank of Bordeaux discovered Merlot in 1784, it took several decades until the grape started to become widely accepted in the Medoc, even though it is only used as a blending variety in that region.

Merlot based wines are perfect for the lunch or dinner table, It’s naturally soft textures and rich flavors works well with a diverse array of foods. For the best wine and food pairing tips. Try matching Merlot wines with meat, lamb, veal and stewed dishes. Mushrooms, chicken and pork work great. Depending on the preparation, use it with fish, if you add earthy sauces or flavorings. Merlot based wines are also perfect for a myriad of different cheeses. Merlot and Chocolate work for some people, although it’s never excited me personally. The grape earned its moniker from its eye catching, dark, blue color. Merle in French is translated into a blackbird, which could be taken to reference either the color or the birds fondness for the sweet flavored, thin skinned grape.