We know how to differentiate between Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Next comes Merlot. This grape is in the middle, between the two: larger than Cabernet Sauvignon, with more pulp and less skin but enough to have medium tannins, more than Pinot Noir. Merlot wines are good by themselves, not only with food. They are pleasant, smooth wines.

TERROIR OR CLIMAT: Again soil plays an important part. Merlot grows better in clay mixed with gravel, sand and iron ore and cooler weather. Wines from Bordeaux’s right bank have more Merlot in their blends because the soil is well suited for the grape and it is slightly more elevated than the left bank. St Emilion is Merlot’s Hub and they produce the most expensive Merlot based wines. Merlot from Bordeaux has unique qualities that differ from a Merlot  from Napa. This grape is large and has more pulp than skin so its maturation happens fast. It is the first grape that matures during Veraison (when grape becomes ripe and changes color). This is a good wine to drink young.

TRIVIA: 1999 Petrus, makers of the most expensive Merlot based Bordeaux blend wines, scored 100, a perfect score in Wine Spectator.

REGIONS: The best regions where these grapes thrive are: Bordeaux’s right bank, St Emilion, Pomerol, Fronsac, Cote de Bourg (France), Alexander Valley, Napa Valley and Paso Robles in California and Columbia Valley in Washington (USA). Other important regions to look for: Tuscany (Italy) Merlot is used for Super Tuscans in IGT regions. Coonawarra (Australia), Alto Maipo and Cachapoal in Central Valley (Chile). IMP: in Chile the viticulturist where selling Merlot when it really was Carmenere. These grapes lokk similar but Carmenere has a distinct bell pepper and spicy flavor.

ORIGIN: The grape variety was created in Bordeaux, France, right bank, specifically the regions on Pomerol & St Emilion. This grape variety is larger than Cabernet Sauvignon but has thinner skin.

AROMAS: In cool climates the aromas & palate perceived are black fruit, BLACKBERRY, BLACK CURRANT, BLUEBERRY, BLACK CHERRY, PLUMS, Floral Violets, truffles. Vanilla, cedar, mocha these aromas come from oak aging for at least 12 months. In cool climates Merlot is more structured with more tannins and earthy tones. In hotter weather Merlot has more fruit aromas and less tannins.

COLOR & CHARACTERISTICS: Merlot wines are medium in color, more magenta and are not translucent. Merlot wines tend to have an orange rim. IMP FOR BLIND TASTING to differentiate it from Cabernet Sauvignon. They are medium acidic and tannic.

FOOD PAIRING: Since this grape yields wines that are medium acidic and tannic, they pair well with white meat like chicken as well as stronger flavored meats like duck or beef stew. They don’t go well with fish or leafy greens. Spicy food is also NOT a good choice. are the best for food pairings, very versatile. Pinot Noir goes very well with Salmon and other fatty fish. I really like Pinot Noir with spicy food, rice and beans, tacos, pork chops or baked chicken.

WINE RECOMMENDATIONS: Wine Spectator Top 100 wines 2016: #3 Beaux Freres Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge 2014 $60. In Puerto Rico, available at El Horreo de V Suarez: Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Westside Road Neighbors 2011 $98, Cakebread Cellars Pinot Noir Two Creeks 2015 $40, Paul Hobbs $45. I recently bought at Bodegas Compostela, Six Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot from Lemelson Vineyards $30.

THE BEST: Le Pin and Petrus, both vineyards from Pomerol, Bordeaux, France. DO YOU KNOW THAT THESE TWO WINE VINEYARDS ARE NOT CLASSIFIED IN1855 Bordeaux famous classification? Interesting…

NOTE TO SELF: Since there are no second wines in Le Pin or Petrus, it will be very hard for me to try them (they cost $1900++ per bottle). So I will do my best to find a bottle of Chateau Trotanoy or its second wine called LÉsperance de Trotanoy. This wine is made in a similar style than Petrus because it is owned by Moueix Family, owners of Petrus. Also on my list is Trilogy which is a blend of 3 vintages made by Le Pin. Another to consider could be Pensees de Lafleur from Chateau Lafleur, also in Pomerol.