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Question: How much merlot for sherry?

(Posted by: kecbarista on 2009-11-25 07:59:00)

I'm making a pumpkin soup that calls for Sherry. I´ve looked around online and it looks like you can substitute Merlot for Sherry, but I can't seem to find how much how much Merlot I should use for an ounce of Sherry. Also, if merlot would be iffy in a basic pumpkin cream soup, what would you suggest? I have Merlot on hand - I don´t use cooking wines and I know Merlot works great in sauces, but I´ve never put it in a soup. If you'd like to suggest something other than Merlot, please give me a couple of options - I only buy what I´ll drink or can give away to a willing friend. Also, please give me the amount I should use in place of two tablespoons for each suggestion.

Posted by: Richard M on 2009-11-25, 08:22:15

Like for like on the measures. Merlot wine is a very different flavour to sherry. the closest in flavour would be something like a Madeira which is about the same price as sherry. the only other thing I can think of that you could use would be Sake or chinese rice wine, but they are definitely an acquired taste so I think you'd have to use what you need an give the rest away. sherry and madeira are both fortified wines which means they've both had more alcohol added to make them stronger. Oh, yes, the other thing you could try would be a white port, but that would be quite sweet but is pleasant to drink.