Merlot

mer-loh

Merlot is a French noble grape, indigenous to Bordeaux, perhaps the world’s finest region for red wines, and is an integral part of the Bordeaux blend. The grape has, over the past few decades, emerged as the region’s most widely planted, lording over the blend in Chateaux across Bordeaux’s Right Bank.

Merlot is now also the world’s second most planted noble grape. Merlot is widely loved for its elegant character and soft tannins and its ability to thrive in different regions.

around the world

Merlot wasn’t content with just bossing Bordeaux and travelled far afield, fashioning a number of interesting turns. South Africa and America crafted a fruit-forward style while Chile announced itself to the world with a soft and charming version.

Australian winemakers tried making a bigger bolder Merlot while Italy enlisted the French red in Tuscany’s Super Tuscan revolution, blending wonderfully with Sangiovese and drinking great by itself.

Tastes Like

Merlot on the nose can best be described as subtle, giving off aromas of red fruit, spice and cocoa while a sip betrays a generous expression of cherries, clove and rounded tannins.

On the palate

Merlot is loved for it’s boisterous black cherry flavors, supple tannins, and chocolatey finish.

Pairing Recommendations

Merlot matches consummately with a range of cuisines, especially comfort foods. We love our pastas, pizzas and assorted barbeque and so does Merlot. Merlot’s balance of fruit expression with soft rounded tannins allow it to enhance rather than clash with most dishes.

key styles

Merlot leads the blends on the right bank, turning out fruit of great concentration from the region’s red clay soil and making wines that balance power and elegant flavours. Famous Right Bank appellations include Saint-Emilion, home to Chateau Cheval Blanc, sought after for spectacular blends and Pomerol where Petrus is based.