Merlot (Smooth and Rounded Cosmopolitan)

Not always has Merlot been this popular and lovable. Years and years ago it was considered an inferior partner in Bordeaux blends. It was probably a great shame to order it while at a restaurant! What's changed then? People started associating reds with health benefits (which is true, by the way), but heavy reds were too tough to drink every day. Fresh, juicy wine with fewer tannins such as Merlot became the "ambrosia" of choice. It was also widely available and promoted on TV.

AROMA AND FLAVOUR:
Merlot is known and adored for its plummy flavour and smooth, rounded texture. It is an easy wine to fall in love with so try it and see how you get along.

BEST REGIONS:
* FRANCE, Saint-Emilion & Pomerol
Merlot contributes 60% to 100% of the Bordeaux blend, the rest being Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc. These wines are normally velvety, smooth and soft, yet intense and full of ripe fruit, with a bit of oak that adds complexity.

Chateaux of Pomerol set their prices really high, but if you feel like this birthday party should be special, go for it! Merlot is also used in cheaper blends, which doesn't necessary mean a bottle is good for nothing. However, if you want to avoid dilute wine, stay away from Bordeaux Rouge and other cheap claret. Look out for Cotes de Blaye, Cotes de Francs (or Marmandais and Bergerac if your budget is tight).

* ITALY, Tuscany

Merlot is used here in 'Super-Tuscans' (made with local as well as international grapes). Expect it to be oaky and somewhat costly.

* SPAIN, Navarra

Spanish Merlot is well-balanced, ripe and a bit oaky. You may find it in red blends next to Tempranillo as well as in the blend for the loved Vega Sicilia.

As a matter of fact, Merlot can be found in most of winemaking countries: Austria, Greece, Bulgaria, US, Australia, Argentina and Chile, each of which creates a different style from clean and fruity to rich with loads of cherries, plums and chocolate. So try around my friend and find the one for you.

CURIOSITY KILLED THE CAT:

The leaves of Merlot look very much like the leaves of Carmenere (Chilean grape). In the 19th century, they were often confused for each other and Chilean 'Merlot' used to be mistakenly made from Carmenere!