What is White Merlot? (8 Delicious Wines, How It’s Made, Food Pairings)

Looking for a sweet fruity wine that will have you craving for more? 

Then, White Merlot may be the answer. It’s an easy-drinking, blush wine made with the classic red Merlot grape.

Interestingly, it follows the same winemaking process as red Merlot wine except for one key difference.  Let’s look at how White Merlot is different from traditional Merlot wines, the best white Merlot to buy, and food pairing tips.

What Is The Difference Between Merlot And White Merlot Wine?

To produce a traditional Merlot, the winemaker macerates the Merlot grapes with the skins for about 14-21 days. This extended maceration of the grape skins gives red wine its deep ruby color and high tannin levels. 

On the other hand, White Merlot goes through a shorter period of maceration. When making White Merlot wine, the grape skins are removed after a few hours. The resulting wine has a light pink hue and fewer tannins than red wine. 

The White Merlot wine has a delightful berry flavor and a light texture (similar to most white wine styles.)

White Merlot is a good option if you want to veer away from the more traditional red and white wines like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. 

How Is White Merlot Different from White Zinfandel?

White Zinfandel and White Merlot wines were developed as a substitute for rose wine by Californian winemakers in the 1970s and 1980s. These wines were so good and grabbed the attention of French wine drinkers as well. 

Today, the Zinfandel red wine grape is used for making red wine, just like the Merlot grape. 

While the two grape varieties are different, they both go through a similar vinification process where the juice and grape skins are left briefly to macerate to achieve a light blush wine. 

What Are The Best White Merlot Wines to Buy in 2021?

These are the best White Merlot wines to try now:

1. 2018 Foffani White Merlot Friuli Aquileia, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy ($25)

This great wine has a floral, fruity, and intense nose with great minerality and high alcohol content (13% ABV.)

2. Sherwood House White Merlot Rose, North Fork of Long Island, USA ($18)

This blush wine has a light nose of raspberry, orange peel, and fresh berry notes. The palate is crisp with sweet cherry, citrus, and berry flavors. 

3. 2019 Alice White Merlot, South Eastern Australia ($40)

This wine has a hint of oak, nutmeg spice, sweet cherry, and zesty orange peel flavors.

4. 2019 Lorimar Vineyards & Winery White Merlot, Temecula Valley, USA ($28)

Here is a wine with an aromatic nose of grapefruit, raspberry, and watermelon. The palate has rose petals, orange peel, and strawberry flavor notes.

5. 2020 Leoness Cellars White Merlot, Temecula Valley, USA ($26)

This vintage wine has a hint of sweet cherry and strawberry on the nose, along with berry flavors, bright acidity, and a soft tannin mouthfeel. 

6. NV New Kent Winery White Merlot, Virginia, USA ($24)

This sweet wine has a flavorful palate of honey, peach, raspberry, sweet cherry, and zesty orange peel flavors. 

7. 2020 Forest Glen Forest Fire White Merlot, California, USA ($11)

This wine is a vibrant blend of watermelon and chilled raspberry, sweet cherry, and orange peel flavor notes.

8. 2011 Beringer Vineyard White Merlot, California, USA ($8)

This dark blush wine by Beringer Vineyard has the aroma of watermelon, fresh berry, and sweet cherry. The palate has a hint of wood, zesty orange peel flavors and berry flavors accompanied by a soft tannin texture.

What Food Should You Pair With White Merlot Wine?

While a bottle of White Merlot wine can be served as an aperitif, you can also pair it with various foods:

• Meat: Barbequed beef or veal, sweet and sour pork, spicy steak, and orange chicken salad
• Seafood: Shrimp and pepper alfredo pasta
• Cheese: Smoked cheese, fondue, and goat cheese
• Vegetarian: Grilled vegetable kebab, crudité platter, and a tomato-based pasta
• Desserts: Fruit-based desserts, key lime pie

You can serve your White Merlot wine chilled at 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit. The colder the wine, the crisper the flavors become.  

Sip a Refreshing White Merlot While Building a Wine Portfolio!

White Merlot wine is the perfect drink for warmer days when you want a cold, refreshing burst of fruity sweetness. It’s affordable and appeals to both red and white wine lovers.  

But, if you’re looking to start a fine wine collection, check out the Vinovest website. There you can easily buy, store, and sell investment-grade fine wines from around the world.