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Question: What kind of meals and dips (like spinach..maybe..) go with merlot?

(Posted by: Angel DelaGuardia on 2010-06-28 20:49:07)

Im trying to try some wines, but am not sure what I sure try, start with, and what I should pair with it...any suggestions

Posted by: Felicity on 2010-06-28, 21:27:41

Since Merlot is a full flavored wine, go with really hearty food. Merlot won't work with mellow flavors. For apps, I would consider a crusty Italian baguette, sliced and drizzled with olive oil, spread with crushed garlic and sprinkled with freshly grated parmesan cheese run under the broiler for just a couple of minutes. Simple toasted garlic bread offered with Italiam salami and artisan cheeses would work very nicely too. In the summer, making a simple fresh bruschetta is always delicious; it is not difficult, but everyone loves it. I like the Food Network's website for staple recipes like that. They have the added bonus of reader reviews and you can get great tips on how to customize the recipe. They have a fantastic spinach artichoke cheesy dip that got rave reviews from some tough critics I served recently. Just use their search feature and it will come up. Just be sure to toss in a few shakes of hot sauce for that punch that will pair well with the Merlot. I'd stay with the Italian theme for a main course, you have a lot to choose from. Everyone appreciates a homemade meatball, hearty tomato sauce with any pasta and freshly grated parmesan. If your grocer has a good Italian sausage, you can go with that as well; just be sure your tomato sauce is quality, you won't regret it if you spend a bit extra (or if you love being in the kitchen like I do, make it from scratch). Likewise with the parm, the show of grating it at the table in addition to the unsurpassed flavor of fresh, is totally worth the extra money spent. Throw in a salad or some steamed broccoli sprinkled with garlic and lemon and you have yourself a cohesive, pretty easy, hearty meal that is sure to satisfy most folks. All that said, Merlot is going to pair best with anything that is hearty; that usually means red meat. For a more rustic fare, a stew with crusty bread works well. I recently saw an episode of 10 dollar meals with Melissa D'Arabian on Food Network that had a stew with a dark ale as part of the sauce that I think would be fantastic with Merlot. I think she called it a "Pot Roast Carbannade "? Looked delicious! Since it is summer, if you are looking for quick and easy - you really can't beat a well grilled steak and baked potato with grilled corn and a salad! Merlot would be a great wine of choice for that meal!

Posted by: Mark on 2010-06-28, 20:52:47

Red wines such as merlot and cabernet are best served with red meats like steak and pork. chicken and fish are traditionally served with white wine.

Posted by: crazzy_nascar_chick on 2010-06-28, 22:22:18

In my opinion Merlot goes really well with heavy meals featuring red meat dishes, cheeses, and other strong, pungent or gamy flavors.

Posted by: David on 2010-06-28, 23:10:45

A nice bean dip would go well!