MERLOT WINE

Merlot's trademark characters of soft, plummy fruit make it one of the most enjoyable and approachable red wines globally, and a top pick among red wine enthusiasts.

The name Merlot (pronounced mur-low) likely comes from "merle," French for blackbird, reflecting the grape's deep, blue-black color. These grapes are crafted into both single-variety wines and blends. In France’s esteemed Bordeaux blends, Merlot is the key grape, often combined with Cabernet Sauvignon on the Left Bank and Cabernet Franc on the Right Bank.

While Merlot thrives in France, it’s now cultivated worldwide, producing wines that range from fruit-forward and bold to complex and age-worthy.

Ready to find your perfect Merlot? Browse our selection of Merlot wines from diverse regions to uncover a new favorite fit for any occasion.

Hailing from France’s Bordeaux region (where it still flourishes and dominates) Merlot has gained popularity among winemakers worldwide.

Highly adaptable, Merlot thrives in diverse climates, leading to a variety of delicious, intriguing styles.

Exceptional Merlots are crafted in places like Chile, Argentina, Canada, Central Europe, North America, New Zealand and South Africa.

Merlot is loved for its smooth, velvety texture and easy-drinking style. Known for medium acidity and a typically dry flavor profile, it still manages to deliver a magical combination of silky mouthfeel and lush fruit flavors. Merlot (usually) also boasts a relatively high alcohol content, often ranging from 13.5% to 15% ABV.

This grape's ability to thrive in various soils and climates means its style can vary greatly based on the region in which it's grown.

Merlot wines can range from medium to full-bodied, offering soft, fruity notes or bold, oaky richness, with tannins that are typically medium to high.

Merlot wines are known for their deep, lush flavors—imagine ripe plum, cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate and warming spices like clove.

When aged in oak, Merlot takes on secondary flavors like vanilla and mocha, with its spicy character becoming even more pronounced. To balance these rich, fruity notes and add complexity, Merlot also carries subtle green, herbal flavors like bay leaf.

Merlot is a celebrated wine for good reason—there's a style to suit every palate and accommodate every wine lover.

Bordeaux is the birthplace of the most renowned Merlots, with areas like Saint-Émilion and Pomerol crafting iconic single-variety wines and blends ideal for long aging.

Across Europe, Slovenia and Hungary produce complex, full-bodied Merlots, while Chile offers dry Merlots packed with rich, dark-fruit flavors. In Italy’s Friuli region, you'll find rare, premium bottlings crafted in the refined style of fine Bordeaux.

For those who enjoy indulgent red wines, Merlots aged in oak barrels offer cozy flavors of baking spices and cedar—making California Merlot a great choice if that’s your preferred style.

With its versatile flavor profile, Merlot is an enjoyable wine to experiment with when it comes to food pairings and holiday menus.

Softer, fruit-forward Merlots with higher acidity pair wonderfully with peppery greens, salmon, rich meats like duck and earthy mushroom dishes. Meanwhile, lighter-bodied Merlots make a delightful match for shellfish, pork and even bacon.

It’s wise to steer clear of intense, spicy foods when enjoying Merlot, as the heat can bring out bitterness and highlight its tannins in an unbalanced way.

Merlot is best enjoyed after giving it time to breathe (especially if it's a fine wine from the storied regions of Bordeaux, such as Saint-Émilion and Pomerol).

Decant the wine about 30 minutes before drinking to allow the flavors to open up and reach their fullest expression. If you're planning to serve the whole bottle, then pour the entire contents into a decanter, swirling it occasionally until the 30 minutes are complete. This will help release the aromas and flavors. If you're planning to enjoy just one glass, then pour it into an oversized wine glass, swirling occasionally as you would with a decanter.

Serve Merlot at a room temperature of around 68°F or just slightly chilled. Serving it any colder can mute its delightful aromas and smooth, velvety texture.