All About Merlot
In the wine world, Merlot is one of the most beloved red wine varieties. This easy-drinking grape is believed to be named after a little blackbird "merlau" because of its color. While some say it's because the grape attracted so many of these birds on the vine. Years later, Merlot remains popular as a single varietal wine or as a blend with higher-tannin black grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon. Let's take a closer look at this Bordeaux variety.
Grape Profile
Growing in moderate to warm climates, this black grape variety produces dry red wines with medium acidity and medium tannins.
Palate
When picked just as it ripens, Merlot is light to medium in body with notes of strawberry, red plum, and herbs like green bell pepper and capsicum. In warmer climates, Merlot ripens faster, resulting in medium to full-bodied wines with cooked notes of blackberry and black plum. The same is achieved in moderate climates when the grape is harvested a little longer as it ripens.
Wine Style
Merlot is outstanding on its own but is commonly blended with Cabernet Sauvignon especially in Bordeaux reds to lower tannin levels, make them a little more easy-drinking, and add red-fruit flavours to the wine. To achieve light-bodied Merlot, little to no oak barrel maturation is needed while full-bodied Merlot, gains complexity and softness on oak. Age-worthy Merlot develops dried fruit and tobacco notes over time.
Important Regions
France
Bordeaux is the homeland of Merlot, where it is the most widely planted variety. This moderate climate region can be found in the southwest of France, frequently showered by rainfall due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The Gironde Estuary where two rivers, Garonne and Dordogne, meet separates the left bank (Medoc, Graves, and Sauternes) from the right bank (Saint-Emilion and Pomerol). Both appellations from the right bank are famous for producing the best Merlot dominant full-bodied blends with pronounced aromas of black fruits and oak notes that can stand the test of time. Other Merlot dominant blends in the region are labeled “Bordeaux AOC” or “Bordeaux Superieur AOC”.
USA
From blends to single varietals, you’ll find Merlots in different styles across the USA. In California, the wines are fruit-forward and medium in body. Look into Napa Valley or Sonoma regions if you prefer concentrated and full-bodied Merlots with oak notes of vanilla, coconut, and smoke.
Australia
New world wines are food-friendly and easy to drink. Commonly grown in the majestic Margaret River or Manjimup regions in Western Australia, Merlots are produced on their own or blended with Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Tyrian Clouds Merlot
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Chateau Pavie Macquin Premiere Grand Cru Classe
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Chateau Petit Village Pomerol
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Pairing Suggestions
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Braised Chicken |
Mushroom Fricassee |
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Pizza |
Barbecued Beef Burgers |
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Beef Ribs Steak |
Teppanyaki |