cool merlots before drinking

[Tabby]

Chilling most red wines before serving will do you no favours at all. The fuller bodied, more tannic reds will just taste bitter. Having said that, a red that is low in tannin, for example, a Pinot Noir, or a Beaujolais, can benefit from refrigeration for a short time. The fruitier the wine the better. I wouldn't really recommend chilling a bottle of Merlot....correct me anyone if I'm misled in believing this.

Most wines benefit from the opportunity to "breathe" in the glass. You will find that a wine will smell and taste quite different after 15 minutes in glass; it's all down to exposure to the air.