Wine pairing sounds like something reserved for expensive restaurants, elaborate cheese boards and people who casually throw around words like tannins and bouquet. But Merlot is here to make things a little less intimidating, that too, on International Merlot Day. Smooth, fruity, and generally easy to drink, this red wine has notes of black cherry, plum, and raspberry, sometimes with hints of vanilla and spice. It pairs well with far more foods than you might expect on International Merlot Day.
International Merlot Day: 8 Best Foods To Pair With Merlot Wine
1. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate and red wine are a match that makes dessert feel like an occasion. Merlot’s ripe berry, plum and cherry notes complement the slightly bitter taste of cocoa, creating an interesting contrast. But before you reach for the darkest chocolate bar in the supermarket, there is a small catch. Extremely high cocoa content can make the wine’s tannins taste more pronounced. A 60-70% dark chocolate bar is a better starting point. Chocolate truffles, brownies and a rich chocolate mousse are other options. In fact, a small dessert platter with dark chocolate squares and fresh strawberries is all you need to put together an easy after-dinner treat this International Merlot Day.
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2. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Forget complicated appetisers for a moment. A grilled cheese sandwich deserves a place at your next wine night. The combination of golden, buttery bread and melted cheddar works surprisingly well with Merlot’s fruity character. The cheese brings saltiness and richness, while the wine adds a pleasant contrast. For a more interesting version, use sourdough bread, mature cheddar and caramelised onions. You could also throw in some sautéed mushrooms if you like an earthy flavour. The result is a sandwich that feels considerably more grown-up than the one you probably made after school. And yes, you can absolutely serve it to guests.
3. Roast Chicken With Herbs
Roast chicken does not always have to be accompanied by white wine. A lighter Merlot can work beautifully, particularly when the chicken is prepared with garlic, rosemary and thyme. These herbs bring out savoury notes that complement the wine’s fruitiness. The slightly crisp and golden skin adds another dimension, while the meat itself is mild enough not to overpower the drink. Serve it with roasted potatoes, glazed carrots or a bowl of buttery mashed potatoes.
4. Mushroom Risotto
There is a reason mushrooms feature in so many classic food and wine combinations. Their earthy and savoury flavour works particularly well with red wines such as Merlot. A creamy mushroom risotto brings this pairing together rather effortlessly. Use cremini or porcini mushrooms, add a generous helping of Parmesan and finish with fresh thyme. The mushrooms provide umami, the cheese adds saltiness, and the wine’s fruity notes prevent the dish from feeling too heavy. A medium-bodied Merlot is a particularly good choice here. It is also a lovely vegetarian option for anyone planning a dinner that goes beyond the usual pasta-and-salad routine.
5. Aged Cheddar Cheese
A cheese board without cheddar is practically an incomplete assignment. But if you are pairing it with Merlot, reach for an aged variety rather than a mild, young cheddar. As cheddar matures, it develops a sharper, nuttier flavour that stands up well to the wine’s dark fruit notes. Its rich texture also complements Merlot’s relatively soft tannins. You do not need to create an elaborate spread. Arrange a few cheddar wedges with crackers, walnuts, apple slices and dried figs. A little fig jam on the side adds sweetness and makes the entire combination more interesting. This is one of the easiest ways to entertain without actually cooking on International Merlot Day.
6. Grilled Lamb Chops
If you are planning a proper dinner, grilled lamb chops are worth considering. Lamb has a rich, distinctive flavour that pairs well with fuller-bodied Merlots. The wine’s dark cherry and plum notes complement the meat, while its earthy undertones work particularly well with rosemary and garlic. Keep the seasoning simple with olive oil, crushed garlic, black pepper and fresh rosemary. Grill until the outside develops a lovely caramelised crust, then serve with roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables. Avoid overly sweet marinades, which can compete with the wine’s fruitiness. This pairing is particularly suited to an evening when a light appetiser simply will not do.
7. Margherita Pizza
Pizza and wine are a combination that deserves more attention, especially when the pizza is a classic Margherita. Tomato sauce, mozzarella and fresh basil bring three distinct flavours to the table, all of which can work with a fruit-forward Merlot. The tomatoes provide acidity, the cheese brings richness and basil adds a fresh herbal note. Prefer something beyond Margherita? Try a mushroom or roasted vegetable pizza. Both offer savoury flavours that complement the wine. However, if you are someone who orders extra chilli flakes with absolutely everything, you might want to go easy this time. Excessive spice can make red wine taste harsher.
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8. Roasted Beetroot And Goat Cheese Salad
Not every Merlot pairing needs to involve melted cheese or a heavy dinner. Roasted beetroot and goat cheese make an interesting combination, particularly with a lighter, fruit-forward bottle. Beetroot’s natural sweetness and earthy flavour complement Merlot’s plum and cherry notes, while goat cheese adds a tangy contrast. Toss in fresh rocket leaves, toasted walnuts and a little balsamic dressing. The walnuts provide crunch, the leaves keep things fresh and the dressing brings everything together. It is a good option for a lighter lunch or a vegetarian dinner. And unlike some salads, this one does not feel like it is merely waiting for the main course to arrive.
So, What Should You Eat With Your Next Glass Of Merlot?
There is no complicated formula to follow. A fuller-bodied Merlot can handle richer dishes such as lamb, while lighter versions are better suited to chicken, salads and milder cheeses. Dark chocolate and aged cheddar are particularly enjoyable options if you are putting together a small tasting platter. Also, avoid serving Merlot too warm. Around 15-18°C is generally a good temperature range, allowing its fruit and other aromas to come through.
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FAQs
What foods pair best with Merlot wine?
Merlot pairs well with dark chocolate, grilled cheese sandwiches, roast chicken, mushroom risotto, aged cheddar, grilled lamb chops, Margherita pizza and roasted beetroot salad.
Does Merlot pair well with cheese?
Yes. Merlot works particularly well with aged cheddar, thanks to the cheese's sharp, nutty flavour and the wine's fruity notes. You can also serve it with crackers, walnuts, apple slices and fig jam.
Can you pair Merlot with dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content is a good starting point. Its slightly bitter flavour complements Merlot's fruity notes of plum, cherry and berries.
Does Merlot go well with chicken or lamb?
Yes. Lighter Merlots complement roast chicken seasoned with garlic and herbs, while fuller-bodied varieties work particularly well with grilled lamb chops.
