Merlot
Merlot is the second most planted variety globally after Cabernet Sauvignon, and it’s the most planted varietal in France.
The grape’s juicy palate, round tannins and gorgeous black and blue fruit aromas are crowd-pleasing and suitable for any occasion. Merlot has astounding versatility at the table as well, so it’s no surprise the grape is loved in both Old and New World.
Merlot shines on its own, but it often lends its noble personality to blends. And although some of the most expensive wines in the world are made with Merlot, the grape is a splendid source for young, approachable wines, too. Here’s all you need to know about Merlot.
The History of the Merlot Grape Variety
We can find the first mention of Merlot in the notes of a Bordeaux official going back to 1784. Wines from the Right Bank or Libournais region were already amongst the most coveted in Europe.
Merlot is named after a local black bird, Merlau, instantly recognisable for its dark, almost black colour. It’s easy to see why — Merlot wine can be incredibly concentrated, displaying a deep, dark hue.
Merlot’s origins are unknown, but DNA testing showed the grape is the offspring of Cabernet Franc and a rare variety, Magdeleine Noire des Charentes. Merlot is half-sibling with Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère.
Merlot’s prominence in both sides of the Gironde estuary in Bordeaux can be traced back to the Great Frost of 1956, the coldest year in the region’s history. Growers had to replant most of their vineyards, and they chose Merlot as the most viable for the region’s varied climate.
Like many other wine grapes, Merlot is prone to mutation, and one of its variations is the pale-skinned Merlot Gris. A Merlot Blanc also exists, although it’s a Merlot offspring rather than a mutation.
Merlot is better known for being the most planted variety in Bordeaux, but it is grown successfully in many other French appellations and every wine-producing country worldwide.
Wine Regions
Merlot is the most planted grape in France with over 116,000 hectares. Although the grape is a critical ingredient in almost every red blend made in the Bordeaux, it truly shines in the Medoc, where it’s blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Emilion, where it’s blended with Cabernet Franc, and Pomerol where Merlot reaches its greatest expression, often as a mono-varietal wine. These wines are contemplative, incredibly age-worthy and prized collectors’ items.
Merlot is also widely planted in Southern France, particularly in the region covered by the Vin de Pays d’Oc IGP, Languedoc-Roussillon and the Sud Ouest. Here, the grape produces more approachable and easy-to-drink examples.
Merlot has an enormous fan base worldwide. It’s the fourth most planted grape in California after Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. It’s also the second most planted grape in Washington. Chile champions Merlot and other Bordeaux varietals, and you can find the grape well represented in Italy, Spain and Australia.
There’s no wine-producing country without a few hectares dedicated to the pleasing red grape. Merlot is an international success, and although it sometimes plays second fiddle to Cabernet, it’s at the same level in prestige and organoleptic properties.
Wine Styles & Tasting Notes
Merlot can produce inexpensive young wines that are inexperienced-friendly, and crowd-pleasing. These young wines are often round, with tannins that are persistent but never astringent. The dark fruit aromas are intense, and the mouthfeel is juicy.
When Merlot comes from older vines, it’s grown in low yielding vineyards and is aged in oak barrels; it gains immense complexity and age-worthiness. These wines are bold and inky and might display black and blue fruit aromas along with smoke, leather and chocolate scents.
When producers use Merlot as a blending component, the grape lends its juicy, mellow personality to the wine. It adds colour, robustness and fruit aromas to the blend as well. Merlot is the major component in most Bordeaux-style blends globally.
The use of oak and its influence in the wine depends on the winemakers’ philosophy. However, it has become clear that producers in the New World prefer to infuse their red wine with vanilla and spices from new oak more often than producers in France.
Food Pairings
Merlot has noticeable but mellow tannins, so it is the perfect partner for leaner cuts of red meat, as the fillet mignon. Young Merlot is the perfect grilling wine, and it’s so easy to enjoy it’s a popular choice for casual get-togethers.
Well-aged, concentrated Merlot has a place on long tablecloth tables and will rise to the occasion, proving to be an excellent partner for fine dining experiences.
Merlot is too robust to be paired with fish, but it’s gentle enough to be paired with white meat, including roasted poultry, veal, and pork roasts. Merlot’s juicy palate and fruit-forward bouquet makes it deliciously compatible with cranberry, plum or other sweet sauces. Browse our curated selection and discover extraordinary French Merlot for all occasions.
-
Côtes de Gascogne: Domaine Horgelus RoséBorn from the marriage of Merlot, Tannat and Cabernet, this wine reveals an intense and complex bouquet composed of wild strawberries, citrus fruits and fresh blackcurrants.
- From £8.95
£0.00- From £8.95
- Unit price
- per
-
Côtes de Gascogne: Domaine Horgelus Rouge de GalaThis blend of Merlot, Cabernet-Sauvignon and Tannat, produced on Horgelus's plot called 'Gala', creates an elegant and spicy wine, revealing intense notes of blackberry and blackcurrant. With its smooth tannins, it is a perfect accompaniment to grills and cheeses.
- From £9.45
£0.00- From £9.45
- Unit price
- per
-
Côtes de Prouilhe: Chateau de Cointes Merlot100% Merlot - Expressive, surprising wine with good fruit, a spicy nose and deep colour, drinks well. Best with pork or cheese.
- From £10.50
£0.00- From £10.50
- Unit price
- per
-
Bordeaux: Nicolas Lassagne Dynastie Francaise"This wine is the blend of 2 different terroirs. The first property was created by my father and located in Abzac, on a beautiful gravel plateau. The second is located in Artigues de Lussac, on one of the most beautiful clay-silty plateaus in Libourne, acquired in 2019." - Nicolas Lassagne
- From £10.75
£0.00- From £10.75
- Unit price
- per
-
Cévennes: Mas des Cabres Cuvée EquinoxeAn original cuvée that reveals a purple dress, a gourmand nose with notes of cherry. In the mouth, sweetness and freshness blend with aromas of blackcurrant and spices.
- From £11.00
£0.00- From £11.00
- Unit price
- per
-
Bordeaux: Théophile QuerreA smooth palate with velvety-soft tannins. Aromas of lovely ripe plum fruits and a lengthy finish.
- From £11.20
£0.00- From £11.20
- Unit price
- per
-
Bordeaux: Chateau la BorneRipe red fruits aromas, and earthy notes, complemented by soft and generous tannins. Good persistence in the mouth.
- From £11.20
£0.00- From £11.20
- Unit price
- per
-
Bordeaux: Chateau Les Belles VignesRed fruit notes with ample tannins. Aromatic persistence on the palate.
- From £11.20
£0.00- From £11.20
- Unit price
- per
-
Bordeaux Clairet: Chateau Les Bertrands RoséFruity and fragrant wine, strawberry and raspberry aromas. perfect for grills, salads, couscous and Asian dishes.
- From £12.00
£0.00- From £12.00
- Unit price
- per
-
Bordeaux AOC: Chateau des ArnaudsDeep and intense ruby colour, very ripe and red fruit on the nose. On the palate this wine is silky, rounded, with aromas of raspberries and cassis, well balanced.
- From £12.00
£0.00- From £12.00
- Unit price
- per
-
Cité de Carcassonne: Les Hauts de Lalande RedA carefully blended mixture of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot, giving a beautiful, rich elegant and smooth wine with a lot of fruit.
- From £12.25
£0.00- From £12.25
- Unit price
- per
-
Bordeaux: Chateau de Bonhoste RedWell balanced with a good round taste. Best with cheese or veal.
- From £12.25
£0.00- From £12.25
- Unit price
- per
-
Bergerac: Château La Moulière RedRound with velvety tannins, which linger on the finish with hints of cherry stones.
- From £12.25
£0.00- From £12.25
- Unit price
- per
-
Cabardes: Chateau Lalande RedConcentrated in the mouth, showing a good balance between blackcurrant fruits and length, blended between Mediterranean and Atlantic grapes.
- From £12.25
£0.00- From £12.25
- Unit price
- per
-
Cotes Du Tarn: Domaine Barreau Baro No.1 Red'Brilliant, Aromatique, Rond, Oncteux' - Beautiful brilliant red colour, fruity nose with notes of red fruits. Fruity mouth, ample with supple tannins on the finish.
- From £12.75
£0.00- From £12.75
- Unit price
- per
-
Coteaux du Pont du Gard: Domaine de Poulvarel Le Bouquet RedExpressive nose with fresh aromas of mint leaf, black pepper and berries. Well balanced on the palate, offering a nice freshness of mint.
- From £13.00
£0.00- From £13.00
- Unit price
- per
-
Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux: Chateau Les Bertrands Cuvee Vieilles VignesVery fruity, with flavours of blackcurrant, red/black fruits and cherry. Round and supple with a good structure, easy drinking wine.
- From £13.25
£0.00- From £13.25
- Unit price
- per
-
Cahors: Georges Vigouroux Le Gouleyant Red'Le Gouleyant' (easy to drink). Dark cherry red colour, with a nose typical of the Malbec variety. Notes of ripe black and red fruits (cherry, blackberry, raspberry). The mouth is also very fruity, and finishes on soft and elegant tannins.
- From £13.25
£0.00- From £13.25
- Unit price
- per
-
Pays d'Oc: Domaine de Campaucels RousselineRaspberry and truffle aromas with smoky notes. Taste is round, fruity and light, balanced with melted tannins.
- From £13.25
£0.00- From £13.25
- Unit price
- per
-
Gaillac: Domaine Barreau Augustin RedA delightful ruby colour, this wine has a bouquet of ripe red fruits, enhanced by hints of pepper. Round and supple on the tongue at first, it then reveals its fruit and spices, leaving subtle tannins in the aftertaste.
- From £13.75
£0.00- From £13.75
- Unit price
- per
-
Côtes de Bourg: Chateau Haut Guiraud RedA very beautiful material made up of rich and elegant tannins ensures this wine a perfect balance - The long and sustained finish heralds a long ageing potential.
- From £14.00
£0.00- From £14.00
- Unit price
- per
-
Malepère: Chateau de Cointes Tradition RedRound and supple, not heavy as the tannins have blended and produced a very smooth wine to enjoy.
- From £14.25
£0.00- From £14.25
- Unit price
- per
-
Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux: Chateau Les Bertrands Cuvée PrestigeAged in oak and with a distinctive lingering after-taste. A wine you will remember for its elegance and soft tannins. Ability to age.
- From £14.25
£0.00- From £14.25
- Unit price
- per
-
Bordeaux: Vignobles Lassagne #madameMagnificent grapes are harvested at perfect maturity, to give a soft, round and fruity wine, "finally a smooth feminine wine".
- From £15.25
£0.00- From £15.25
- Unit price
- per
-
Bordeaux: Chateau de Bonhoste SO2 LibreRuby colour with a clear, blackcurrant and plum aromas. Fresh on the palate, with a supple, round taste.
- From £15.50
£0.00- From £15.50
- Unit price
- per
-
Lussac Saint Emilion: Chateau des Landes Cuvee TraditionCreated at the beginning of the history of the Château Des Landes, this cuvée is elaborated in the greatest tradition 'Bordelaise', emphasising the power of the fruit and the finesse of the tannins.
- From £15.50
£0.00- From £15.50
- Unit price
- per
-
Malepère: Chateau de Cointes Marie Anne50% of Merlot completed with Cabernet Franc and Grenache Noir. Rich and intense with a liquorish finish.
- From £15.75
£0.00- From £15.75
- Unit price
- per
-
Bergerac: Château La Moulière Cuvée Prestige RedFull-bodied, supple and balanced with hints of prune and cherry.
- From £15.75
£0.00- From £15.75
- Unit price
- per
-
Bordeaux Supérieur: Chateau de Bonhoste Cuvée Prestige RedBeautiful presentation, with a very clear, deep, dark garnet red colour. The powerful, complex bouquet evokes ripe red and dark fruit (prunes, cherries), vanilla and toast, with a hint of smoke. Full bodied, round and fleshy in the mouth, with elegant tannins and beautiful fruity flavours. The finish is fresh with pleasant woody aromas.
- From £16.00
£0.00- From £16.00
- Unit price
- per
-
Bordeaux Superieur: Chateau la Salargue RedDeep ruby colour, aromas of very ripe fruits that are just waiting to blossom. It is a fleshy, structured, well-balanced wine.
- From £16.00
£0.00- From £16.00
- Unit price
- per