| Ahh... Cabernet-Sauvignon - Known to many as | | | | best choices to blend this grape with. |
| the "King of Wines". | | | | Merlot: |
| This red wine is well known and quite popular, and | | | | Pop quiz! Do you know Merlot's real name? |
| is readily available in most local restaurants. But did | | | | Merlot Noir, its real name, is the main grape in |
| you know that it this wine is originally from | | | | Saint-Emilion and Pomerol, and the various main |
| Bordeaux? And that this grape has planted a | | | | (other than or except Cabernet-Sauvignon) of |
| strong root in California's estates? Acidic and | | | | Bordeaux. This grape is widely grown in Eastern |
| tannin components of Cabernet Sauvignon wines | | | | Europe with sizable plantings in Bulgaria, Hungary, |
| lend this vintage its form and long shelf life, | | | | and Romania. |
| optimally served after 5 or 10 years of aging. The | | | | Northeastern Italy has overproduced Merlot and |
| grape specimen used in Cabernet-Sauvignon | | | | so developed a tarnished reputation, but it is |
| grows best in warm regions in locations like Chile, | | | | grown all over the world. In the state of California, |
| Australia and Eastern parts of Europe. | | | | it was initially grown for blending with vintages, |
| Pair this wine with red meats, because of its full | | | | however it now stands by itself and is growing in |
| and heartier flavour, as well as red noodle dishes, | | | | popularity. |
| mutton, flavorful cheeses, and even chocolate | | | | The taste of Merlot always has a hint of black |
| (dark especially). | | | | pepper combined with a range of blackberries, |
| The fruit-like tastes have been likened to cherry, | | | | cherries, plums and blueberries. Merlot seems to |
| black cherry, black current and raspberry flavors. | | | | be easier to pair, but works best with red meats, |
| Merlot, Cabernet Franc, or Petit Verdot are the | | | | port, poultry, salads and pasta the best. |