The Ultimate Guide To Merlot Wine: Underrated or Iconic? Why It’s Time to Revisit This Classic
Once the darling of the wine world, Merlot has had its ups and downs in popularity. But guess what? It’s time for a comeback and we think Merlot deserves a space back in your glass – and your wine rack. Here's everything you need to know about this classic red wine, why it's making a return and how you can enjoy it to the fullest.
Merlot (pronounced Mer-low) is a versatile grape that is used to produce some of the world's most popular red wines. It can be rich and complex or juicy and fruity depending on how it is grown and can be a great option for an easy drinking wine, (it's easy to see why it's often referred to as "mellow merlot").
What Makes Merlot Wine So Appealing?
Merlot is known for its plush, smooth texture and juicy fruit flavours. Known for its smooth, easy-drinking nature, that's complex enough to impress - Merlot can be rich and complex or fruity and juicy, depending on where it has been grown.
While often paired with Cabernet Sauvignon because of how well they blend together, Merlot stands out with lower tannins, softer acidity, and a generally lighter body.
Plums, Blackberries, Black Cherries, Cocoa, Cloves
The grape's flavour profile can vary depending on the climate it’s grown in. In warmer climates, Merlot wines tend to be fruitier with higher alcohol content. In cooler climates, expect more structure with grippy tannins and peppery, herbaceous notes.
Regions to Know for Great Merlot
From Bordeaux to California, and Chile to New Zealand, Merlot is grown all over the world. Let's explore where to find some of the best Merlot wines, what to expect from each region and what makes them so special.
Merlot's personality is all about place:
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Cool climates (France, Italy): more structure, savoury notes, and ageing potential.
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Warm climates (California, Chile, Australia): fruit-forward, plush, and perfect for instant gratification.
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Blends vs. Varietals: In classic regions, Merlot often stars in blends. In the New World, it shines solo.
Key Regions:
Bordeaux, France - The Classic Merlot Style:
Bordeaux is the birthplace of Merlot, and it continues to produce some of the finest examples. Right Bank Merlot, often blended with Cabernet Franc, creates wines that are silky and layered with dark fruit flavours like plum, truffle, and cocoa. On the Left Bank, Merlot softens the more tannic Cabernet Sauvignon.
California (Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles), USA - Bold & Fruit Forward:
From Napa to Sonoma, California Merlot is often plush and fruit-driven, with tasting notes of ripe blackberry, vanilla, and a rich finish. Despite a setback from the "Sideways" movie, Merlot is back in full force in California, with many quality-focused producers bringing this variety back into the spotlight.
Colchagua, Maule Valley, Chile - Juicy & Approachable:
Chilean Merlot is known for its juicy black cherry and plum flavours, complemented by earthy tannins. Modern Merlot from Chile is honest and approachable, with a deliciously approachable profile that makes it perfect for everyday sipping.
Australia (Margaret River, Barossa) and New Zealand (Hawke’s Bay), Diverse Styles:
In New Zealand, particularly in Hawke’s Bay, Merlot is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to create Bordeaux-style wines with ripe fruit and fine structure. Meanwhile, in Australia, Margaret River and Barossa Valley produce Merlot wines that range from chocolaty warmth to refined restraint.
South Africa (Stellenbosch) - Smooth & Glossy:
Merlot from Stellenbosch, South Africa, offers smooth, glossy textures with ripe plum and dark chocolate flavors, offering a blend of California's richness with a local, unique twist.
Merlot Food Pairings
Merlot is incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairings. From roast chicken and grilled meats to tomato-based pastas and cheese boards, Merlot wines complements a wide variety of dishes.
Here are a few of our favourite top merlot pairings:
Astral de Chateau Puybarbe 2020 - with Roast Beef
Delicious full-bodied wine with abundant fruit and soft acidity, grippy tannins that will shine with roast beef served rare.
Siegel, Handpicked Reserva Merlot 2022 - with meatballs
A mellow Merlot where the fruit is the star. A nice wine to open midweek with tomato based pasta dishes.
Solara Natural Red 2023 - with Smoky Roasted Vegetable Tagine with Chickpeas
The spice and sweetness from cinnamon, cumin, and roasted peppers harmonise with the fruitiness of the wine. Serve with couscous and fresh herbs.
Buying Guide: Best Merlots to Try Right Now
We’ve rounded up our top bottles of Merlot – from affordable everyday picks to standout special occasion wines. The Our range is regularly rotated so be sure to check back regularly to see what's new.
Peculiar Mr Pat Merlot 2024 The Mid-Week Charmer
There's a very appealing wine behind this charming label. Easy going, fruity and moreish. It's a laid back drop for casual lunches of a mid-week pizza night.
Chateau Picoron, Le Bon Nobel 2016 - The Natural Modernist
This is a very eye-catching wine from a dynamic winery. It uses only a single-plot of Merlot grapes from to create a generously flavoured wine that has mellowed with time into something rather delicious. Ideal for sharing over dinner with friends.
Hans Herzog, "Spirit of Marlborough" Merlot Cabernet 2017 - The Understated Showstopper
"An outstanding, refined take on Bordeaux-style blending by Swiss expats Hans and Therese Herzog's artisan family winery in New Zealand. Rich yet poised, with a wonderful freshness that keeps it lively."
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