Merlot
Merlot is a dark blue, thin-skinned grape varietal, with a name that derives from the French word ‘Merles’, meaning blackbird. The grape is thought to originate from the right bank of Bordeaux, where it continues to thrive in the clay-based soils today. Though it remains Bordeaux’s flagship grape, you’ll now commonly find Merlot in both New and Old World wine regions throughout the globe. This increase in popularity is hardly surprising with it being so easy to work with in the vineyard, reliably ripening even in cooler temperatures. In fact that pretty much sums up Merlot. It’s very likeable, well-rounded and easy going, commonly being recommended as an entry-level red for those exact reasons. While it’s often used for blending, it’s also used to make some stunning single varietal wines too. Look no further than Pomerol Petrus for prestigious and pricey Merlot!
Merlot Tasting Notes
Blackberry
Plum
Cherry
Chocolate
Cloves
Depending on the style of Merlot you’re drinking, the taste profile can be quite different. Flavours commonly associated with Merlot include plum, blackberries, cherries and red fruits. Alternatively, you may experience the sensation of tucking into a delicious fruit-cake with chocolatey notes. Barrel-aged Merlot, you’ll find, starts to develop sweet spice notes of vanilla and clove along with a wonderful velvety texture.
Merlot Wine Style
Full and Fruity Red Wine
Light Full-BodiedMerlot has a smooth, well-rounded style. Typically medium-bodied, it’s very much a fruit-forward grape variety, offering low acidity and reasonably high alcohol levels. The style can vary slightly depending on the climate in which it’s grown. Cooler climates tend to offer more structured wines with slightly higher tannin and earthy flavours. Warmer climates offer up softer wines with heaps of fruitiness and lower tannin – often oaked to help develop some structure and complexity.
Wine Regions
France
Italy
Chile
Spain
Australia
Merlot isn’t just the most commonly grown red grape in Bordeaux, but in the entirety of France as well. It originates from Bordeaux’s right bank, although is often overlooked for its half-brother Cabernet Sauvignon. A lot of producers will blend the two, using the softness and fruitiness of Merlot to counterbalance the more structured and tannic Cabernet Sauvignon, creating some truly incredible wines. Italy also has a considerable number of Merlot plantings across its vineyards. In Tuscany, it’s used in the production of the prestigious wines known as “Super Tuscans”, for which it has gained widespread recognition, and is also widely grown in the North-East of Italy. For exciting New World Merlot, look to winemakers in Chile and Australia.
What Food Goes with Merlot?
Being well-rounded, medium-bodied, low acidity and easy drinking, Merlot can be partnered with a whole host of dishes. Beef hotpot, slow roasted lamb, roast duck and even your Christmas roast turkey are all brilliant options. For the cheese lovers out there, try a Merlot and blue cheese combo, like Gorgonzola!
