Merlot Wine Guide

Known for its easy-drinking nature and adaptability, Merlot thrives in southwest France, creating delicious single-varietal wines and contributing to iconic blends.

Read on to learn about Merlot’s distinctive tasting notes and diverse styles. We’ll also explore mouthwatering food pairings and introduce you to some of our favorite, top-rated Merlot wines

What is Merlot Wine?

Merlot is a famous red wine made from Merlot grapes, a versatile variety originally from Bordeaux, France.

It’s grown in several wine regions worldwide—including the U.S., where it is one of the most widely planted varietals, particularly in California. The wines have a plush texture and luxurious flavors, including plums and dark cherries, chocolate and herbs.

There are two general styles of Merlot. The “International style” tends to be full-bodied, with high alcohol and intense dark fruit flavors. In contrast, the “Bordeaux style” is typically medium-bodied with moderate alcohol, red fruit flavors and the occasional herbal note.

The name “Merlot” (pronounced mer-low) is believed to be a form of the French word merle, meaning blackbird. This is believed to reference the grape’s skin color—a distinctive black-blue hue. Merlot’s characteristics make it both a delicious single-varietal wine and ideal for blending. In its home of Bordeaux, Merlot is a key ingredient in the iconic Bordeaux blends.

What Does Merlot Wine Taste Like?

Merlot is famous for its approachable character. Dark fruit flavors dominate each sip—look for notes of black cherry, black berry, plum and raspberry. There is normally a dried herb note, which adds complexity to the wine. When Merlot wines are aged in oak barrels, they can develop deep notes of vanilla and chocolate or baked figs.

The style of Merlot wine can vary, the two most common being the International and Bordeaux styles. The International style is generally full-bodied with a high alcohol content and ripe black fruit flavors, often with an obvious oak influence. The Bordeaux style tends to be lighter, with a medium body, balanced acidity and stronger red fruit and herb notes.

Climate can greatly influence a Merlot wine’s style. Grapes grown in warmer regions, like California, produce fuller-bodied, riper wines, perfect for the International style. Cooler regions, like Bordeaux, make wines with brighter fruit flavors and more acidity.

Merlot also plays a crucial role in Bordeaux blends. It contributes its lush fruit flavors and soft tannins, adding balance to the blend. Its characteristics work well with the robust tannins and acidity of Cabernet Sauvignon, the other key grape variety in the blend. On the Right Bank of Bordeaux, Merlot is often used as the base/majority of the blend.

Where Do The Best Merlot Wines Come From?

Merlot is one of the world’s most widely planted red grape varieties, with vineyards stretching from China to Argentina.

• Europe—In France, Merlot is the star of Bordeaux’s Right Bank, particularly in districts like Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. With its cooler climate, the Merlot grapes grown here retain their acidity and have brighter, lighter red fruit flavors, creating some of the best Merlot wines available. In Italy’s Tuscany region, Merlot is a key player in the production of Super Tuscan wines (blends of local and international varietals). Spain also has a number of Merlot plantings, with Catalonia as its key region.
  
  
• The U.S.—Merlot is North America’s fourth most planted grape variety. Napa Valley, California and Washington State are known for their richly flavored Merlot wines, and smaller plantings can also be found in New York State and Texas. California Merlot is known for its wide range of styles, from simple and fruity to complex and robust. Merlot wines from Washington State are deep in color and well-balanced.
  
  
• South America—Head south, and countries like Chile and Argentina use Merlot in expressive, affordable wines. However, the grape isn’t considered a key variety compared to Malbec and Bonarda.
  
  
• Australia—With its European influence, Aussie winemakers typically make Bordeaux-style blends with Merlot, particularly in the Margaret River and Coonawarra regions. It’s the third most planted red variety behind Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
  
  
• China—The rapidly evolving wine industry in China includes substantial Merlot plantings, particularly in regions like Ningxia.
  

What Foods Pair with Merlot Wine?

Merlot’s balanced fruitiness and soft tannins make it a versatile wine that pairs well with a wide range of foods. Overall, It is a delicious pairing with red meat, roast poultry, mushrooms, tomato sauces and strong cheeses.

An international style of Merlot—which tends to be full-bodied with high alcohol and intense dark fruit flavors—pairs well with hearty, rich dishes. The robust structure of the wine can stand up to a grilled steak or roast lamb seasoned with rosemary. Matching Merlot with game meats like venison or complex dishes like beef stew also works well. The wine’s intensity can match the strong flavors in cheeses like Oregon Blue or Gorgonzola.

The Bordeaux style of Merlot pairs well with lighter dishes, thanks to its medium body, moderate alcohol and red fruit notes. The delicate flavors in roast chicken and turkey are complemented by the wine’s fruitiness without being overwhelmed, while Merlot’s moderate body is a good match for the texture of poultry. This style of Merlot also goes well with pork dishes, meaty fish like salmon or tuna, Mushroom risotto and tomato-based pasta dishes.

How to Store Merlot Wine

An unopened bottle of Merlot should be stored on its side in a cool, dark place, ideally at a consistent temperature of around 55°F. Most Merlot wines are meant to be enjoyed within a few years of release, although some high-end bottles can age well for over a decade.

Once opened, tightly reseal the bottle and refrigerate it to keep your wine fresh. Stored this way, an opened bottle of Merlot can last 3-5 days, although its flavors will gradually change and diminish after the first day because it has come into contact with oxygen.

Should Merlot Be Chilled?

Merlot is best served slightly cooler than room temperature—at around 60-65°F. This temperature allows the wine’s intricate flavors and aromas to express themselves fully.

If your Merlot is too warm, the alcohol can become more prominent, overshadowing its fruit flavors and making the wine taste unbalanced. If the wine is too cold, its aromas and flavors can become muted, and its acidity and tannins may be emphasized.