Do you refrigerate Merlot wine?

Merlot is best served at 60-65 degrees. Although it might seem counter intuitive, you should chill your red wine, including Merlot. Store it at room temperature until near the time you wish to serve your wine. To achieve the proper temperature, place the bottle in the refrigerator for about 45 minutes.

Is it OK to serve Merlot at room temperature?

When it is too warm, the alcohol in the wine comes to the forefront, masking all of the subtleties in taste and aroma. The common misconception is that red wines, including Merlot, should be served at room temperature; however, most rooms with temperatures set for comfort are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

What’s the best way to serve Merlot wine?

Store it at room temperature until near the time you wish to serve your wine. To achieve the proper temperature, place the bottle in the refrigerator for about 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can place it in an ice bucket filled with half ice and half water for 10 minutes.

How long does it take for a bottle of Merlot to chill?

Water conducts cold very quickly, so a warm bottle of merlot in an ice bucket will chill in about 10 or 15 minutes. Upend the bottle once, to chill the top half, too.

What happens to Merlot when it is too cold?

When Merlot is too cold, the flavors hide and you miss out on the wine’s best characteristics. When it is too warm, the alcohol in the wine comes to the forefront, masking all of the subtleties in taste and aroma.

What pairs well with Merlot?

Pairing Merlot with food provides lots of options. It does better with heavy sauces than the big tannic Cabernet Sauvignons. Its ample acid structure does surprisingly well with tomato based dishes as well. Strongly flavored poultry and fish also compliment Merlot surprisingly well. Hamburgers.

Which wines are served chilled?

Light-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir and Merlot should be chilled down to between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 15 degrees Celsius ). Full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Shiraz should be served at about 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).

Should Merlot be refrigerated?

If, however, you store your Merlot at room temperature, it is likely you will want to cool the Merlot before serving. To do this, place the bottle in an ice water bath for about 10 minutes – just long enough to slightly cool the wine. Don’t over chill, and don’t serve Merlot at refrigerator temperatures.

What temperature to serve Merlot?

Merlot should ideally be served at a temperature around 56 to 58 degrees F (see Resources). There are portable wine cellars that will help you bring your wine to the right temperature. However, most people just guess and serve Merlot at room temperature.