What Kind of Wine Is Papi Merlot?
Papi Merlot is a dry red wine from the Central Valley in Chile. It begins with red fruit and baking spice aromas on the nose and continues with black fruit and chocolate flavors in the mouth. Also, this wine has a sweet finish, which is, however, counterbalanced by a fizzy, refreshing acidity. Merlot is a staple varietal in South America. Together with Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère, Merlot contributes to Chile’s reputation for producing excellent, value-for-money wine. In addition, Chilean Merlot is medium-to-full-bodied but elegant, low in alcohol yet with zippy acidity.
It also shows lots of vegetable and herbal notes, such as bell pepper, spearmint, or dried dill. Some of the best Merlot in Chile grow in the Apalta region in the Colchagua province. Generally, the grape cultivates nearly everywhere in the world. And it has characteristics that vary from climate to climate. Chilian Merlot matches with strong flavors super well, so feel safe to pair it with meatballs in tomato sauce, roasted turkey, or even pizza for more casual occasions.
Papi Merlot Demi Sec Review
- Winery — Papi Wines
- Country/Region — Chile, Central Valley, Maule Valley
- Type — Chile Merlot
- Aroma — Cherry, Redcurrant, Grapefruit, Strawberry, Cinnamon Spice
- Grapes — Merlot
- Taste — Blueberry, Plum, Raspberry, Chocolate, Bell Pepper, Soil, Pepper, Vanilla Spice
- Alcohol Content — 12%
- Sugar — Semi-Sweet
- Pairing — Spaghetti Bolognese, Poultry, Soft Cheeses
Papi Merlot is an intensely aromatic and flavorful wine. It smells and tastes black and red fruits and chocolate, while it also exhibits soft tannins and bright acidity. The sweet finish on the palate is the icing on the cake, making up for a compelling and gratifying beverage. Papi Merlot is a safe wine option when on the lookout for a fresh but juicy, extra-ripe, at times, red. Go for it!
Tasting Notes
Papi Merlot wine has a rich-tasting profile. Fragrances of cherry and redcurrant define the nose and lead to the juicy palate. There, flavors of black fruits combine with chocolate and pepper notes for extra taste. A vegetable hint is also present and mingles with baking spice touches. The supple tannins are smooth and complement the delicious palate. On top of that, the acidity is bright and crisp, while the finish is sweet and pleasant. As a consequence, Papi Merlot is super palatable.
Appearance
Papi Merlot has a deep crimson color, such as late-season cherries or strawberries. Near the rim, however, a medium ruby hue develops. The wine’s core is semi-opaque but without fogginess. And the legs of the wine are medium and watery. Papi Merlot’s appearance, therefore, is marvelous.
Aroma
On the nose, Papi Merlot displays aromatic intensity. Aromas of cherry and redcurrant appear as the wine is uncorked, followed by notes of grapefruit and strawberry. Also, a gentle touch of cinnamon spice gives depth and structure. Papi Merlot, consequently, has a distinctive aromatic bouquet, certifying its high quality.
Taste
As the wine flows into the mouth, jamminess emerges. Black fruit flavors, like blueberry and plum, join notes of raspberry to define the palate. But as the initial flavors subside, a chocolate and pepper touch unearths, rounding the mouthfeel. Meanwhile, the tannins are fine-grained, almost velvety, and compliment the plush flavors.
Finish
Papi Merlot concludes the tasting profile with a medium but savory finish. The ending is smooth and has lingering tastes of wet soil and bell pepper. These are trademarks of Chilian Merlots, so their presence is not surprising. On top of that, a plum flavor is available too. Overall, Papi Merlot’s aftertaste is delightful and suggestive of the wine’s fruity and earthy nature.
Rating
By reviewing Papi Merlot, I reiterated that it is a splendid Merlot example. It encompasses the characteristics of Chilian wines, like delicate aromas, mouthwatering mouth, and a delicious finish. The acidity also is fizzy, which is welcoming. Consequently, Papi Merlot delivers an immersive drinking experience, and I recommend it.
Papi Merlot Food Pairing
Papi Merlot accompanies pasta and poultry divinely. I would recommend pairing it with spaghetti Bolognese with Ragu and barbecued chicken wings. Both courses help Papit Merlot display its raspberry and cherry notes, as also its oaky character. On top of that, this bottling combines superbly with an assortment of cheeses. A plateau, therefore, of Gorgonzola, Jarlsberg, and Brie cheeses alongside cranberry dip and crackers make a heavenly match with Papit Merlot. And if you do not fancy cooking anything or had a stressful day at work, feel free to lay on the couch and experience this Merlot by the glass. Bliss!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Makes Papi Merlot?
Papi Merlot is a product of Papi Wines, the leader of semi-sweet in the United States. Introduced in 2009, the brand saw rapid growth, selling 170,000 cases in 2015 across four states. The Papi Wines wine portfolio boasts nine varietals, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Moscato, Dolcetto Gran Cuvee, Rosato Gran Cuvee, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec Reserve, Sangria and the top sellers, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. On top of that, the wines are from Chile, from the region of Maule Valley. They are imported to the States by New Jersey-based importer Simone International.
How Is Papi Merlot Made?
As a semi-sweet red wine, Papi Merlot follows the traditional winemaking process, at least in the beginning. After harvest, the grapes are sorted, destemmed, and crushed. Crushing breaks the skins of the grapes and liberates a quantity of juice. But damaging the seeds should be avoided. Otherwise, they release bitter oils and tannin, and the final wine becomes astringent and bitter.
After crushing, pressing follows. Pressing separates the liquid and the solid constituents of grapes. Seeds should remain undamaged once again. Then, the grapes go inside stainless steel vessels, and alcoholic fermentation begins. The temperature steadily increases to ensure color, flavor, and tannins extraction from the fermented grapes. Specialized winemaking techniques take place and develop the wine’s personality, such as malolactic conversion. However, at this point, unfermented grape juice is added to add sweetness. Afterward, the resulting semi-sweet wine is filtered from sediments and bottled.
Where Is Papi Merlot Made?
Papi Merlot is crafted with fine Chilean grapes sourced from the renowned grape-growing region of Maule Valley. The warmth and fertile soils make the most important sources of fruit for blended red and white wines. The vineyards in Maule Valley are cool, retaining high acidity, which is essential in blending. There are also increasing efforts to exploit the wealth of dry-farmed, old vines existing within this region. Even though Merlot is produced at large, Carignan is the star variety, producing full-bodied, intensely rich wines from ancient low-yielding bush vines.
The Central Valley is south of the Chilian capital of Santiago. And it runs until the sub-region of Itatta Valley. It is a vast warm flat region where most vineyards have always been. Grapes ripen without hassle, and most production focuses on inexpensive fruity wines. It incorporates the Maipo Valley, the center of the Chilean wine industry, Rael Valley, Curico Valley, and Maule Valley.
How to Serve Papi Merlot?
Papi Merlot has to be served in regular larger-sized wine glasses. By doing so, the air will come into contact with the wine surface and help reveal its aromatic and flavor intensity. In addition, the ideal serving temperature is sixty degrees Fahrenheit (ten to fifteen degrees Celsius). That said, keep in mind that Papi Merlot can be enjoyed lightly chilled just like a Valpolicella. So, one hour before serving, take the bottle and place it inside the fridge. Then, uncork and sip!
Moreover, try also to keep the wine cool during service. To do that, use an ice bucket or wine cooler. The bucket should be filled three-quarters full with equal quantities of ice and water so that iced water surrounds the bottle. The water is then able to transfer the heat from the bottle to melt the ice. Air acts as an insulator, and the bottle chills. Be careful, though, as over-chilling hides flavors in wines.
How Much Does Papi Merlot Cost?
Papi Merlot is a super affordable red wine choice. Therefore, wine enthusiasts are in luck as without having to pay a high retail price, they can obtain a refreshing and fruity red. Papi Merlot price ranges from just $7 to $9. And with this price point, this bottling is approachable by everyone. Consumers do not need to think about it twice. They have to buy it now.
How Long Does Papi Merlot Last?
Papi Merlot is a fruit-forward red wine with delicate aromas and silky tannins. So, it will not benefit from bottle aging. It has to be enjoyed young. Consumers do not need to put it away for long-term maturation. If they do so, its freshness will decline, resulting in a thin and unpleasant wine. That said, Papi Merlot is semi-sweet, and usually, sweet wines can withstand maturation successfully. If you decide to mature Papi Merlot, seal it with a cork and store it in an environment with room temperatures that do not fluctuate (fifty to sixty degrees Fahrenheit or ten to fifteen Celsius) and a portion of humidity.
Direct sunlight or artificial light should be kept at bay, as they may cause irreversible damage. Intense exposure to light rearranges the chemical compounds found in wine, like oxygen and temperature, and causes wine faults. That means that the wine ages prematurely, and its aromas, flavors, and even color change for the worse. The resulting wine is known as light-struck. Odors also must be avoided, as they might find their way inside the bottle. If they do, they usually instill unwelcome aromas and flavors, like intense animal sweat or vinegar. In any case, Papi Merlot should develop secondary and tertiary aromas and flavors, such as dried blackberries and figs, cooked raspberries, jamminess, wet earth, and tobacco.
How Many Calories Does Papi Merlot Have?
This bottling is a suitable wine choice with a low-calorie density. Papi Merlot calories amount to 124 per serving, equating to 25 calories in 1 fluid ounce of the beverage. The caloric breakdown is 0 grams of fats, 6 grams of sodium, 4 grams of total carbohydrate, 0.1 grams of protein, and approximately 20 grams of total sugars. As a consequence, Papi Merlot is friendly to consumers on a diet. That said, since this is a semi-sweet wine, those monitoring their sugar intake should be aware of the high sugar levels and avoid excessive consumption. Moreover, Papi Merlot alcohol content is 12% per 750ml bottle. That is a relatively low alcoholic concentration for red wine.
Conclusion
Papi Merlot is an intensely aromatic and flavorful wine. It smells and tastes black and red fruits and chocolate, while it also exhibits soft tannins and bright acidity. The sweet finish on the palate is the icing on the cake, making up for a compelling and gratifying beverage. Papi Merlot is a safe wine option when on the lookout for a fresh but juicy, extra-ripe, at times, red. Go for it!
