So, who instanced wine as one of the most civilized things in the world? Intellects think of it as an energy drink, mademoiselles hold it with a tinge of sophistication, and wine connoisseurs adorn their cellars with an expensive wine collection that is worth killing for. Merlot (pronounced as Mare-low) wine is one such wine that has enjoyed a burst of popularity in recent years, for the simple reason that, even though it is earlier maturing, it exhibits aromas and flavors like most of the ideal wines available today. Merlot is a red wine grape that is brought into use for not only blending grapes, but also for making varietal wines. It ripens earlier in cool climates, and prefers a warm growing environment. As an accompaniment to beef and lamb delicacies, Merlot wine is one type of wine that creates a beautiful French aura, adding life to those special moments. More on this variant of wine follows below. Merlot Wine: Characteristics For the reason that Merlot is fleshy and supple, it makes an excellent blending component. Merlot is one grape variety that is not appropriate for long aging, and hence, wine made from Merlot grapes has been used as a blending wine for many purposes. Prominently, it is used to mix with different types of wines such as Cabernet in the French Bordeaux wines, thereby, adding that mellowness to them. Unlike other red wines, Merlot red wine isn't too harsh on the tongue, and possesses comparatively lesser tanning than Cabernet. It is due to this fact that it can be drunk before it ages. It's known for flavors of plum, violets, black cherries, and orange, and thus, makes a perfect match for not-so-heavy delicacies. Astonishing as it may sound, Merlot wines are the second most popular red wines in the world, and if you're a newbie to the world of wine-drinking, this variant of wine welcomes you with arms wine... I mean, wide open. Funnily, it is so good when it comes to taste, that you'll have a hard time finding a bad Merlot wine. While Merlot red wines have gained as much as nine-hundred-percent popularity in recent years, white Merlot wines are equally prominent in France and the US, and is often considered as the best white wine for the reason that they are a perfect accompaniment to picnics and barbecues. Have a chilled sip of white Merlot wines with seafood, and you'll end up drowning into the sweet cherry and raspberry aroma. Number of Calories Keeping a count of calories in Merlot wine consumed glass by glass could help you manage a lot of weight issues! Research shows that a 3.5 oz glass of Merlot wine contains 83 calories. With the entire world seeming to diet these days, calories in this wine could be a concern for you. Note that, white Merlot wine contains lesser calories than the red one, but every individual who drinks wine is aware of the health benefits of red wine. Hence, it is on you to decide which wine suits your likings. What follows below is a list of the best Merlot wine brands you can pick up from the market. Take a look:

• Bridgeview 2011 Merlot
• Veramonte Merlot
• Ernest and Julio Gallo's Merlot
• Pepper Bridge: 2001 Walla Walla Valley Merlot
• Fortant White Merlot 2002
• Chateau Ste. Michelle 2001
• Duckhorn Vineyards 2002

Merlot wines are one of the tastiest wines you'll find. Beginners in wine-drinking would find this type of wine as one of those drinks that gets in smoothly and tastes extremely sweet. The world's famous Merlots hail from the US, France and California, putting forth a rich aroma and fruity flavor to wine lovers. Merlot wines are worth trying at least once, if you're yet to taste the amazing flavor of dark plums and black cherries.