Here’s Your Ultimate Guide to Cabernet Merlot Wine

Cabernet Merlot

The combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is an example of how a perfect relationship should look and feel like. This pair consists of two wine varietals which complement each other, while creating a blend in which the best taste features of both wines are accentuated. Moreover, this combination is the base for some of the best French wines. When true wine enthusiasts want to treat themselves with a glass of red wine that satisfies all the taste buds, they choose Cabernet Merlot.

  • In Australia, the secret for making the best blend of these two popular wines is buried somewhere in the regions Margaret River, Coonawarra and Yarra Valley. In other words, the best samples of Cabernet Sauvignon – Merlot can be found in the vaults in wineries located in these regions.
  • In California, one of the most famous wine regions, you will find this wine under the label Meritage. This grape is popular in almost every major wine-producing county, including Chile, Italy, Argentina, New Zealand, Israel, Canada and South Africa.

The role of Cabernet Sauvingnon in the Cabernet Merlot blend is to define the tannin and acidity structure. Also, it introduces the prevalent flavours of dark fruit including bell pepper and blackcurrant. On the other hand, the structure of Merlot is less noticeable, due to the lower, yet fatter structure. However, this does not mean that the best fruit flavours of Merlot are not prevalent in the blend. In fact, Merlot fattens the robust structure, which is one of the main characteristics of Cabernet. The result is a wine that has an unmatched affinity to oak, which leads to developing notes of cedar, vanilla, smoke, coconut and certain spices.

Once you choose Cabernet Merlot to complement your table for your special occasion, make sure you make the best wine and food pairing. For instance, dishes that would best match this red wine are sauteed mushrooms (preferably shiitake) and/or slow-cooked beef roast.

In summary, do not hesitate to choose Cabernet Merlot, the next time you shop for high-quality and tasty red wine. No matter the occasion, you can’t go wrong by complementing your food with this perfect blend of the two most popular wines in the world – Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Be it sipping it alone while watching your favourite TV show, or while celebrating life with your friends and loved ones, this ideal blend is the ultimate drink to have to make it a night to remember.