- Last updated on February 17, 2023
This is our 14 Hands Merlot review.
Merlot is known for its smoothness and this one delivers as expected.
Do you like dark and red fruit flavors with a mocha finish?
And what if I tell you that it pairs well with a vast variety of dishes and that it won’t break the bank as well?
Well, this is the wine you have been looking for! Try it with ratatouille, BBQ, or gorgonzola cheese and it’ll be a delight. At least it was for me!😍
Find below our 14 Hands Merlot full review along with our food pairings recommendations, serving tips, curiosity, and where you can buy it.
Let’s begin!
Our 14 Hands Merlot Review
- Brand: 14 Hands
- Grape Varietal: Merlot
- Region: United States, Washington
- Tasting Notes: Dark & Red fruit notes
- Glass & Serving: Bordeaux / 59-64 °F (15-18 °C)
- Price Range: $11-$15
- Bottle Size: 750 ml
14 Hands Merlot review: What's its color?
14 Hands Merlot wine has a deep ruby color with thin slowly falling legs.
If you want to know more about how to taste wine and the lingo that goes with it, check out this article: How To Taste Wine Like a Pro in 4 Steps.
What does 14 Hands Merlot taste like?
14 Hands Merlot is primarily made from Merlot grapes with a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Is 14 Hands Merlot sweet?
No, it’s not sweet. 14 Hands Merlot wine is a dry wine.
Dry wine contains less than 15 g/L.
Learn more about wine sweetness level here.
14 Hands Merlot review: Which food pairs well with it?
14 Hands Merlot is a very versatile wine when it comes down to food pairings.
We find it pairs well with earthy food, red meat, and strong flavor cheeses.
Classic appetizers are mushroom pizza, penne alla boscaiola, ratatouille, and
bean dishes to name some.
Meat wise you have a wide selection here from turkey, burger, pork loin, duck, venison, and BBQ of course.
If you are a cheese lover our recommendations for you are bloomy rind, blue and hard cheeses like Camembert, Gorgonzola, and Parmigiano Reggiano for example.
14 Hands Merlot review: What's its alcohol content?
14 Hands Merlot wine’s alcohol content is 14.5%.
In case you wonder about alcohol content or more precisely Alcohol By Volume, i.e. ABV, measure the alcoholic strength of a drink.
There is a direct relationship between the sugar left in the wine after the alcoholic fermentation has taken place, i.e. Residual Sugar or RS, and ABV.
During alcoholic fermentation, the yeast transforms the sugar in the grape juice into alcohol.
Grapes with high residual sugar will therefore produce dry wine with a high ABV.
How many calories are in a glass of 14 Hands Merlot wine?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture [1] a 5-ounce glass will contain about 120 to 130 calories.
Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram. So a wine with high ABV will have a higher calories per glass than a wine with low ABV.
Furthermore, sugar contributes to the calorie count.
A dry wine will usually have 4 calories per grams vs a sweet wine that will have around 20 calories per grams of carbs, which include sugar.
What is 14 Hands?
Here is an extract from the 14 Hands website itself:
“14 Hands wine is inspired by the unbridled spirit of the wild horses that once freely roamed eastern Washington and the Columbia River Valley.
Making everyday wines that people enjoy drinking is our ultimate goal, so we often make decisions throughout the winemaking process based purely on taste.
In the end, we want our wines to be smooth and fruit-forward, yet bold and complex—making approachable, easy-drinking wines that taste amazing by the glass, cup, or can.”
Conclusion
Merlot is known for its smoothness and 14 Hands Merlot delivers as expected especially if you consider you’ll pay around $10 for it.
Blackberry, cherry, and a mocha finish will complement many dishes from veggie, pasta, a vast variety of red meats, and our beloved cheeses.
Be it a casual happy hour or a BBQ with family or friends, it’ll be a good choice.
If you have never tried it, I’m not entirely sure what are you still waiting for.
Once you had it, we’d love to know your opinion, so reach out and let’s know what you think! Enjoy!
