Merlot wine guide

Merlot is often regarded as a bit of an underdog to Cabernet Sauvignon. It has gone through a bit of a smear campaign which has impacted its reputation. Largely this is due to a lot of cheap commercial Merlot flooding the environment, but also because of the movie Sideways. In this Merlot Wine Guide, we will unpack everything there is to know about Merlot and discover whether this is warranted.

But Merlot wine is actually really great. It commands some of the highest respect (and prices) in the wine world, and goes great with food. Known for its soft, sensual texture and approachable style, it can be grown in warm and cool climates. Whether it is velvety and plummy or rich and oaky, Merlot can offer something for everyone.

Merlot Wine Guide

Merlot is a thin-skinned grape that is sensitive to its environment but often quick to ripen. This can make a big difference in a rainy harvest season! It also doesn’t necessarily need to be cellared and grows all over the globe. So why is it not more popular?

Since 2005, despite being up there with the most planted grapes in the world, it hasn’t been that popular. This is largely due to the fact that the production and styles of Merlot vary drastically. New World Merlot is usually more fruit-forward and full-bodied than the Old World. Some of the Old World wines, such as Pomerol’s Château Petrus, are some of the most expensive reds in the world. But cheaper, overripe styles of Merlot tend to flood the wine market.

While it is a bit of a divisive grape, there is a lot of praise that can be said for Merlot. When given time and nurturing, Merlot proves its worth as more than just a blending wine.

Origin of Merlot

The word Merlot is French for ‘the little blackbird‘. It is the progeny of Cabernet Franc and is related to Carménère, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, its mother grape has since been discovered recently by DNA testing as the incredibly old variety Magdeleine Noire des Charentes. As far back as 1738, Melot was described as a “black and excellent wine”.

In France, it is currently the most planted grape variety, and is originally from France’s Bordeaux region. It spans the Right Bank areas and numerous subregions like Saint-Estèphe, Saint-Émilion, and Pomerol.

Since then it has spanned to the world, reaching Australia in the 1980s, as well as California, Italy, Spain, Chile and Canada. It is not the second most planted grape in the world largely due to its early ripening habits and its ability to be blended. Most famously, it is blended in Bordeaux with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Flavour profile of Merlot

Merlot has a soft texture and easy, fruit-forward characteristics. Think ripe plums, summer fruits, vanilla and spice. The great thing about Merlot is that it is so versatile. Whether it is used to produce a good-value midweek wine or some of the most expensive wines in the world. On its own, it produces soft and plump reds but also plays an important role in blends. Merlot’s fruity flavours balance out Cabernet Sauvignons more obvious tannin and structure in Bordeaux.

Merlot also tastes different depending on the climate it is grown in. In a cool climate, it has higher tannins and earthy flavours like tobacco. Warm climate Merlot tends to be more fruit-forward and the tannin is less prevalent. It isn’t easy to grow, however, which is why there has been an abundance of poor quality wines in the market in the past.

Typically, Merlot is dry, medium-full bodied with moderate acidity and soft tannins. It has a range of flavours depending on the climate and winemaking. This is why it is often difficult to differentiate in a blind wine tasting.

Where you’ll find Merlot

Merlot is grown all over the world, but this can make it difficult to find one that you love. It is prominent in the Old World regions such as France, Italy and Spain, but also in New World regions such as Sonoma County, Napa Valley, Australia, Argentina, Chile, South Africa and more.

Old and New World (learn more about these terms here) Merlots are easy to distinguish. Old World Merlot is typically picked earlier to keep the alcohol content low and acidity a little higher. New World producers prefer to pick later, creating full-bodied and fruit wines.

Merlot is also popular in blends. It is most famously a part of the Bordeaux blend, which is a combination of two or more of the following:

• Merlot
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Cabernet Franc
• Petit Verdot
• Carmenère
• Malbec

But other blends can include:

• Zinfandel
• Sangiovese
• Syrah (Shiraz)
• Tempranillo

What to pair with Merlot

Merlot is a great food wine as it sits in the middle of the red wine spectrum (not too heavy, not too light). With medium tannin and not too much acidity it pairs well with most foods. Whether it is roast vegetables, roast duck or chicken or even beef bourguignon, this wine stands up.

The key to unlocking Merlot is to match the wine’s weight and flavour intensity with the weight and flavour of the dish:

• Fruity and easy drinking styles of Merlot go perfectly with anything from white and dark meats to weeknight pasta, burgers and pizza.
• Full-bodied and ripe Merlot can handle fuller-flavoured foods such as beef and lamb.
• Got a Bordeaux? Think roasted meats, duck and mushrooms.

Summary: Merlot Wine Guide

Merlot may not have the best reputation but I think it should be brought back! This versatile wine is a perfect choice whether you want an easy-drinking midweek wine or something more special. It has a variety of flavours but offers a soft, fruit-forward and beautiful wine that pairs with oh so many foods. I hope this Merlot wine guide has made you rethink getting a bottle of Merlot to go with your next meal – Sideways be damned!