Closer Look at Merlot and Shiraz – The Ideal Wines for Every Occasion

They say only 3 things can cheer up a woman: “I love you”, 50% discount and a bottle of good wine. If you are a wine lover then you know that size matters – no one wants a small glass of wine. Among the most popular red wines today are surely Merlot and Shiraz. Their exquisite taste makes them ideal for every occasion as they are a perfect match for cozy family dinners and unforgettable long nights with friends.

However, with so many wines available on the market today, it can be a real challenge to tell the difference between Merlot and Shiraz in a glass. If you have a hard time distinguishing between these two, stay with me to learn what makes each so special.

Merlot

Merlot grapes have been dominating the vineyards of Bordeaux for decades now, producing dry, medium-to-full bodied red wine with high levels of alcohol. This red-wine grape thrives in warm regions mostly in Italy, California, France and Australia. If you drink Merlot, I am sure you have noticed that what makes it so distinguishable are the easy tannins, the red fruits as well as the soft finish. And that is not all, there is certainly more to Merlot than being smooth. Merlot can also be a bit of a chameleon, which partly depends on its region and way of production.

Food Pairing

Since Merlot is in the middle of the red wine spectrum, it pairs well with a wide variety of foods. Chicken, other light meats as well as lightly spiced dark meats are some of the best ones to have on the nights you prefer to drink Merlot. Due to its medium tannins and moderate acidity, this wine pairs well with many foods. Herbed chicken en papillote, roasted tomatoes, roasted duck and beef Bourguignon are one of the best dishes to pair Merlot with.

Shiraz

Since Shiraz wine is produced is different wine regions, it differs in taste and colour, depending on the characteristics and climate of the region. Shiraz features a deep dark red colour and it is full bodied, which means that it feels heavy when drinking. It has a sophisticated and unique taste with flavours of tobacco, berries, smoked meat, pepper and fruity aromas. It has a high level of antioxidants which makes Shiraz wine one of the most health-beneficial wines on the market, hence a good reason to drink Shiraz.

Food Pairing

Because of its full-bodied texture, Shiraz matches best with bold foods such as meats as well as soft and hard cheese. Brisket grilled lamb, grass-fed beef, grilled London broil and beef stew are only some of the numerous dish choices you should have with this amazing wine. However, as everything else in life, it is always more about personal taste. Therefore, irregardless of your next dinner choice, feel free to drink Shiraz. You will not regret it. Have fun, cheers!