Pairing Merlot with Food

This is a sponsored post all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Sometimes when I tell people I like wine they associate that with snobbiness. Usually because they believe that wine comes with a large price tag and names that are hard to say (I still struggle with Sauvignon Blanc). Though for the most part people who love wine, just love good wine regardless of grape or price point. Most of my favorite bottles have a price point of around $15.00.

Over the past few years there has been a rise in popularity of many different red varietals. Wine drinkers often overlook Merlot, in favor of trendier varietals (I’m looking at you Pinot Noir), which is surprising considering it is the second leading red varietal in the country (the leading red varietal is Cabernet Sauvignon).

I’ve always been a red wine fan and have enjoyed a good glass of Merlot, so it’s surprising to me that it’s often overlooked because it pairs well and is widely known. Merlot is the type of wine that you can serve at any event;it’s sure to go with anything and your father won’t have trouble pronouncing it. And for those reasons Merlot is a great go to for parties.

Great ways to pair Merlot:

• Parmesan Cheese (Chicken parm and Merlot is pretty perfect)
• Romano Cheese (Think Italian food)
• Chestnuts ( perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving)
• Grilled Meats (I’m looking at you hamburger)
• Steak (Red wine and red meat, always)
• Grilled Swordfish (Who says fish has to go with white)
• Tuna (Red wine and Tuna is a favorite pairing of mine)
• Carmelized Onions (With pizza or cheese steaks)
• Spices such as Mint, Rosemary or Juniper (A great addition to a Merlot based Sangria)
• Bolognese Sauce (Pasta and Merlot is always a yes)
• Dark chocolate (Because it’s Merlot’s best friend)
• Fondue (Cheese or chocolate, Merlot pairs well)
• Berries (Fruit, chocolate, glass of Merlot and you have date night)

My husband recently tried Liberty School Merlot and I gave it a nice long sniff because pregnant woman are allowed to at least smell the wine. It was rich with fruity aromas of black cherries and strawberries, both of which it would pair well with. It is a great wine to drink on its own or to pair with your favorite meal.

Hope Family Wines has started a campaign to help Merlot liberate its (unfounded) “uncool” reputation. The #FREEMERLOT campaign is a fun way to promote what a great versatile grape Merlot is. Hipsters Know Best is a satirical short video about Merlot’s perceived reputation and was selected as a finalist in Wine Spectator’s video contest. If you enjoy wine or hipster humor this video is a good laugh.

Today is International Merlot Day and you can support #FREEMERLOT on their website, Facebook and Instagram.