Merlot is a dry red wine made from Merlot grapes. Vineyards in numerous places, including California's Napa Valley and Bordeaux, France, grow Merlot grapes. Merlot wines often have a berry or cherry hint, and are frequently served with red meat or pasta dishes. Like most red wines, Merlot is best served at slightly below room temperature.
Calories
One 5-oz. serving of Merlot wine contains 122 calories, nearly all of which come from the 15.6 g of alcohol in each serving. Each gram of alcohol contributes 7 calories, so 109 of the 122 calories come from alcohol. The remaining 13 calories come from 3.7 g of carbohydrates. Merlot's carbs are a combination of starch and sugar, as wine contains no fiber.
Protein and Fat
One serving of Merlot contains only .1 g of protein and no fat. This does not, however, mean that Merlot cannot contribute to weight gain. You gain weight when you eat more calories than you expend, so too much of any food can contribute to weight gain, even if it contains no fat. Because alcohol is a source of calories but provides few nutrients, you should consume it in moderation. Most of your calories should come from nutrient-rich foods such as whole grains, lean meats and vegetables.
Minerals
One serving of Merlot provides less than 10 percent of the recommended daily amount of all essential minerals. Most minerals are present in only trace amounts, although one serving does provide 9 percent of the recommended amount of potassium and over 8 percent of manganese. Merlot is also low in sodium, so individuals on low sodium diets can enjoy an occasional glass. One serving contains only 6 mg of sodium, which is less than 1 percent of the maximum amount recommended per day.
Vitamins
One serving of Merlot provides less than 10 percent of the recommended amount of all vitamins. A serving contains no vitamin C or vitamin B-12, but does provide 6 percent of the recommended amount of vitamin B-6.
Benefits
According to the Mayo Clinic, the alcohol in red wine may benefit your heart. Alcohol consumed in moderation may increase good cholesterol levels and decrease blood clot formation. The Mayo Clinic also suggests that an antioxidant called resveratrol in red wine may be good for your heart. Resveratrol may also help to lower bad cholesterol levels and protect blood vessels in the heart from damage. More research is needed to confirm these benefits.
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