Perhaps the most versatile and thus widely grown of international red grape varieties, merlot is known for its velvety texture and rich flavor profile, and can be found in everything from the most sublime Pomerols to young, fruity and delicious house-pouring merlot red wines. It is, of course, a supreme blending varietal also, playing leading and supporting roles in the cuvées of Bordeaux's Right and Left Banks respectively, as well being integral to a great many Super Tuscans. The flavours often attributed to it range from black cherry, plum and cocoa to blackberry, herbs and graphite, with notes of clove, cedar and vanilla when aged in oak, making merlot red wine it an ideal pairing option for all manner of red meat, pizza and tomato-based pasta dishes.
Merlot Red Wine
Discover Versatile, Multi-Expressional Merlot Red Wine
Merlot red wine is an instantly gratifying varietal which requires no contemplation for enjoyment. Its lush spirit and alluring aromas are beautifully complex but approachable, with notes of succulent plum, ripe cherry and smooth blackcurrant, bursting forth. Its soft, fruity flavouring and supple elegance make Merlot red wine such a popular choice worldwide for blending and drinking singularly.
Merlot red wine offers a magnificent cascade of ripe red and black fruits, accompanied by chocolate, mocha and vanilla whispers. Merlot is much rounder than more tannic reds, with a soft, full-bodied mouthfeel that glides elegantly across the tongue with lingering richness and without aggressive weight and structure.
Merlot is grown in the hallowed grounds of Bordeaux, absorbing the minerals of its ancient clays and limestone soils to achieve a profound and opulent expression. However, the popularity of this grape has placed it across the world in the fertile soils of Chile and the sun-drenched valleys of California. From the classic elegance of a French Merlot to a bold New World expression, you’ll discover a uniquely scintillating personality bound to please a crowd.
For a beginner, a perfect introduction to Merlot red wine awaits from an unblended Chilean or Californian bottle. These regions let the grape’s signature frutiness and smooth texture shine, preferred not for ageing but for immediate enjoyment. For the more seasoned connoisseur, the immense complexity and intellectual depth that Merlot is just as capable of can be found in the prestigious Right Bank of Bordeaux. With incredible ageing potential, a Bordeaux Merlot reveals layers of captivating flavour and aroma over decades of maturity, unparalleled in its experience.
Merlot Red Wine FAQs
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Is Merlot Red Wine?
Merlot always makes a red wine and is a grape variety originating from Bordeaux, France, where it’s one of the key grapes in Bordeaux blends, particularly on the Right Bank (notably Pomerol and Saint-Émilion). Beyond France, Merlot thrives in regions such as California, Washington State, Chile, and Italy (notably Tuscany), as well as in parts of Australia and New Zealand, each expressing distinct regional styles.
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What does Merlot taste like?
Merlot typically offers soft, plummy fruit with flavours of black cherry, raspberry, and chocolate, supported by smooth tannins and a round, velvety texture.
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What foods does Merlot pair well with?
Its medium body and supple tannins make Merlot versatile—excellent with roast or grilled meats, lamb, duck, pasta dishes, pizza and mild cheeses