Fruit

Merlot

A tier

Merlot is a soft-tannin red wine grape with plush plum and chocolate-leaning fruit when ripe, earlier and fleshier than Cabernet Sauvignon in many climates. Berries are larger and thinner-skinned than Cabernet; wines often fill blends or stand alone as approachable reds. Kitchen use is primarily the wine in pan sauces and braises. Deglaze duck and mushroom pans with Merlot; the rounder profile suits reductions that should not turn austere. Fresh berries are sweet but seedy for dedicated table service. Choose ripe, not herbaceous, bottles for cooking so green notes do not dominate.