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Life After Merlot
Many of our wine enthusiasts tend to drink medium-range reds, and while Merlot is often favored in this range, there are other medium reds to be considered as well. Two of California’s increasingly popular medium red varietals are Pinot Noir and Syrah (Shiraz).
Pinot Noir falls on the softer side of Merlot. It tends to have a light color, but don’t let that deceive you when it comes to taste. California vintners have spent the past twenty years improving growing techniques and now provide Pinot Noir grapes of great distinction. The wines made with these grapes have a potent cherry, raspberry, ripe tomato aroma, and if allowed to mature in fairly new oak, a vanilla and earth bouquet that deepens the flavor. The most appealing quality of Pinot Noir is its soft, velvety texture. Drinking Pinot Noir is like drinking liquid silk, and it leaves a delightful, lasting impression on the palate.
Syrah, known as Shiraz in Australia and South Africa, is a varietal that can be developed into a wine of great character and depth. While still considered a medium red wine, Syrah is darker than Pinot Noir, and would fall on the heavier or edgier side of Merlot. Again, California is experiencing great success with growing Syrah. The climate of California falls between the coolness of France and the heat of Australia, which allows for a happy medium in which the Syrah grape can reach full ripeness, maximizing its complex flavors. Aromas and flavors have features of currents, blackberry and mocha. The wine has a rich feel and good complexity, with a succulent finish.
If you have enjoyed Merlot in the past, but are looking for more variety in your range of medium reds, you might want to try a Pinot Noir or Syrah.
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