Do you enjoy a good glass of wine?
If so, then you may have heard of white merlot. But what is white merlot, exactly? Is it the same as regular merlot, or is it something different?
In this blog post, we will answer all of your questions about white merlot!
We will discuss what it is, how it differs from regular merlot, and why you should consider drinking it!
What Is White Merlot?
White merlot is a type of wine that is made from red grapes. The grapes are fermented with skins, which give the wine its color.
However, the skins are removed before the wine is bottled, resulting in a lovely pink wine.
White Merlot is typically less sweet than other types of white wine, and it has a higher acidity level.
Flavors are fruity with bright citrusy notes and raspberry and cherry flavors that shine through.
It pairs well with spicy, bold, summertime foods like burgers, gyros, kebabs, and pizza. It can make a delicious wine spritzer for an easy warm-weather beverage.
It also has a higher alcohol content than most white wines, so it is important to drink it in moderation.
Overall, white merlot is a versatile and interesting type of wine that is worth trying if you are looking for something new.
Read More: Chianti vs Merlot. In this comparison, we cover all there is to know about the similarities and differences of Chianti and Merlot!
How Is White Merlot Made?
To make white merlot, the winemaker begins by picking the grapes at optimal ripeness to achieve a bright, crisp wine.
Next, the winemaker ferments the juice with selected yeast strains, which ensures proper flavor and fragrance in the finished wine.
Once fermentation is complete, the winemaker leaves the wine on its lees for several weeks so that it can develop a creamy mouthfeel and golden hues.
Finally, the winemaker ages this wine for several months in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks before bottling it to maintain freshness and a delicate aroma.
Throughout this process, the winemaker expertly balances acidity and concentration to produce a fine white merlot that is crisp, bright, and well-rounded.
Read our related article, How to Make Merlot for a look inside the wine-making process!
How Is White Merlot Different From Regular Merlot?
Compared to regular merlot, white merlot has a lighter color and a slightly different flavor profile.
With its light rose-colored hue and crisp, refreshing taste, it has become a popular varietal among wine aficionados.
White merlot tends to be lighter and more refreshing than regular merlot due to its higher acidity levels.
While both varieties have notes of fruit on the nose and palate, white merlot tends to emphasize hints of citrus while offering less complexity overall than its traditional counterpart.
Overall, this makes white merlot perfect for pairing with seafood dishes or as an aperitif.
Read More: How to Make White Wine With Red Grapes. We explore the winemaking process and how red grapes are used to produce white wines!
Why Should I Consider Drinking White Merlot?
White Merlot is a relatively underappreciated wine, but it deserves a place in your beverage rotation for several reasons.
- This smooth and aromatic varietal has a clean and pleasant flavor with notes of white peach, apricot, raspberries, and cherry.
- It’s also low in tannins, making it easy to drink and enjoy without inducing that dry or bitter sensation in your mouth.
- Studies have shown that this type of wine is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the body against inflammation and damage caused by free radicals.
- It is also a versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with food.
But perhaps the most compelling reason to drink white merlot is that it is a unique and interesting wine that is worth trying if you are looking for something new.
What Are the Drawbacks of White Merlot?
While white merlot is generally regarded as a very drinkable wine, there are some potential drawbacks to be aware of.
First, because white merlot falls somewhere between a rosé and a white wine on the spectrum of color, it may not conform to traditional expectations when it comes to taste.
Some people may find that white merlot has a distinctively fruity or floral flavor, which is quite different from what they typically expect from red wine.
Additionally, some people may find that white merlot is somewhat acidic or astringent, in comparison with other wines.
We think white merlot is an interesting and delicious wine that should be on everyone’s list to try.
What Foods Pair With White Merlot?
We think the rosy pink of white merlot gives the perfect hint of the fruity raspberry and cherry flavors that make this wine the perfect pairing for summertime foods.
We pour a sparkling glass of white merlot with tacos, burgers, lamb gyros, pizza, charcuterie, and even brunch dishes like yogurt parfaits and desserts like fruit tarts and cheesecake.
Read our related article on How to Serve Merlot for more serving and pairing ideas!
Wrap Up
White merlot is a mystery to many wine drinkers, but we think it has an interesting flavor profile that makes it a fun wine to include in our wine rack.
We pull out a bottle of white merlot when we enjoy fun finger foods and summertime favorites because the brightness and acidity go great with many foods.