What is the difference between merlot and chianti

In terms of the total amount of tannins Merlot is actually a medium tannin variety, but shows them in a lush and velvety style. Sweet plummy fruit flavors and an affinity to be high alcohol can help it lend body and richness to a blend, while Cabernet gives structure and tannin. Merlot is an easy going, easy drinking wine in almost all cases, though more serious styles can be found.

Nowadays most Chianti is bottled normally, although you can still find an old-school bottle every now and then. Sangiovese, the grape used to make Chianti and Chianti Classico the heart of the region , is actually grown all throughout Italy.

It appears in some of their most famous wines like Chianti or Brunello, but also is grown in high yielding vineyards on the coastal plains, where it is used for supermarket bulk wines packed in boxes or jugs.

Tuscany, where Chianti is located, is where Sangiovese gained its fame. Wines made from Sangiovese can range in style from big, brooding oaked wines meant for aging and light, zippy, cherry flavored wines meant for early consumption. However, generally with wines labelled Chianti or Chianti Classico you are looking at a good middle ground: medium tannins, high acidity, medium alcohol, and bright cherry flavors.

Macion Grey said:. Click to expand Greggj77 Active Member. Joined Sep 14, Messages When done right the blends really bring out the best in young wines. Both are Fantastic. Anybody else drinking Meritage's out there? If so I would be interested in hearing your favorites. Joined Dec 27, Messages 5, Good grief, just like my humidor I have a little bit of everything in my wine cellar. But my Pinot Noir selection is definately on the heavier side. Not A Nice Person Pink.

Joined Oct 8, Messages 4, I love me a nice Chiantigutsier than Merlot, not as chewy, dense, and complex as a Cabernet. Or as "high toned! But I find wending my way through all the years, and vineyards, and such with Cabs a bit intimidating. Joined Jan 23, Messages This really depends for me. I have had some really light, bland tasting chiantis in my experience. Now if you told me its from a reputable producer and its a Brunello di Montalcino made from same grapes , thats a different story although not a chianti then.

Merlot gets a bad rap, but its the primary grape used in Bordeaux and many of the 05 Bordeaux are killer. Lately I have been really into wines made from tannat, mourvedre, and sagrantino grapes.

Joined Oct 24, Messages 1, I am a big fan of Napa Cabs and the Cab Blends. Dios de Fuego My drive to crazy isn't far. Joined Apr 1, Messages Chianti is always great, but i have to me in the mood for something drier, however cab is always good.

Malbec is often blended with other varieties such as cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and petit verdot to make Bordeaux style wines. Malbec and some such blends may present some health benefits. Pinot noir Pee-know na-wahr One of the noblest red wine grapes. Pinot noir is difficult to grow, rarely blended, without roughness. Food pairings: excellent with grilled salmon, chicken, lamb and Japanese dishes notably sushi rolls.

Typical taste in varietal wine: very unlike Cabernet Sauvignon. The structure is delicate and fresh. The tannins are very soft; this is related to the low level of polyphenols.

The aromatics are very fruity cherry, strawberry, plum , often with notes of tea-leaf, damp earth, or worn leather. Yet pinot noir is very transparent to the place where it is grown. The staggering range of Pinot Noir wines produced makes it pointless to define which personality is the best expression of the variety. Districts: mainly found in California , zinfandel was introduced in the 18th century to Italy where it is called primitivo.

It originates in Croatia. Typical taste in varietal wine: often a zesty flavor with berry and pepper. Too cold, and the aromas and flavors are muted. Wine Spectator named the vintage its number 2 in the Top Wines of the Year for and awarded it a 96 point rating. Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search.

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