White Merlot: Does This Pink Drink Really Exist?
Okay, Merlot. You know it, you love it – that reliably smooth red wine that’s just so… easy to drink. But have you ever stopped and wondered, “Hey, is there a white Merlot?” It’s a fair question! The answer? Well, it’s a little more complicated than a simple yes or no. Buckle up, because we’re diving in!
Merlot, at its heart, is a red grape. A deep, dark, beautiful blue-ish purple grape, actually. It’s one of the big names out there, a total workhorse in the wine world, whether it’s standing alone or playing nicely in blends. Word has it, the name “Merlot” might even come from the French word for blackbird (“merle”), a cute little nod to the grape’s inky color.
So, what makes a red Merlot, well, red? Think about it:
- That gorgeous ruby color, sometimes hinting at purple when it’s young.
- Flavors bursting with cherry, plum, and maybe even a touch of chocolate. Yum!
- Tannins that are generally pretty chill, giving it that smooth, velvety feel.
- A body that’s usually somewhere between medium and full – substantial, but not too heavy.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. “White Merlot” isn’t actually a white wine at all. Tricky, right? What it really is, is a rosé. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, a blush wine. Think pink! The secret lies in how it’s made.
See, with a regular red Merlot, the grape skins hang out with the juice for a good long while – a couple of weeks, give or take. This “maceration” process is key. It’s what pulls all that color, tannin, and flavor out of the skins and into the wine.
But for White Merlot? The skins are shown the door pretty quickly – just a few hours of skin contact. This quick dip gives the wine that pretty pink hue and keeps the tannins way down low.
So, how does it all go down?
What’s it like to drink? Imagine this:
- A glass filled with a delicate light pink color.
- Aromas and flavors of bright red berries – think strawberries, cherries, raspberries.
- Barely-there tannins, making it super smooth.
- A light, refreshing body that’s perfect for a warm day.
- Often, a touch of sweetness to round things out.
Speaking of pink drinks, White Merlot often gets lumped together with White Zinfandel. And yeah, they’re similar. Both are blush wines that became popular back in the day. The big difference? White Merlot is made from Merlot grapes, while White Zinfandel comes from Zinfandel grapes. Otherwise, the process is pretty much the same.
Now, let’s talk food! White Merlot is surprisingly versatile. I’ve found it pairs beautifully with:
- Meat: BBQ beef or veal, sweet and sour pork
- Seafood: Shrimp and pepper alfredo pasta
- Cheese: Smoked cheese, goat cheese
- Veggies: Grilled vegetable kebab, tomato-based pasta
- Desserts: Fruit-based desserts, key lime pie
One last thing: don’t get “White Merlot” confused with “Merlot Blanc.” Merlot Blanc is a whole different grape – a rare white variety that’s not used to make these pink wines.
So, there you have it. While Merlot might be famous for its red wine, White Merlot offers a fun, lighter twist for those who love a good blush. If you’re looking for something easy-drinking and refreshing, especially when the sun’s shining, give White Merlot a try. You might just discover your new favorite summer sipper!