Merlot is one of the world’s most widely enjoyed red wine grapes, known for its smooth texture, soft tannins, and generous fruit flavours. A typical Merlot wine shows notes of plum, black cherry, and ripe red berries, often with hints of chocolate, herbs, or gentle spice. Because the Merlot grape ripens easily and naturally produces rounded tannins, Merlot red wine is approachable and easy to enjoy, even for those new to red wine.
Merlot is grown across many of the world’s key wine regions. France, particularly Bordeaux and the southwest, is considered the reference point for structured and elegant French Merlot, often used in blends but also bottled on its own. Italy produces softer, fruit-driven styles, while Chile and the United States (especially California and Washington State) are known for ripe, approachable Merlot wines. Merlot is also widely planted in Central and Eastern Europe, where it produces fresh, food-friendly styles, and increasingly used in natural Merlot bottlings. This collection brings together Merlot wines from classic and emerging regions, making it easy to find the best Merlot wine for your taste, or simply a reliable bottle of Merlot for any occasion.
Here you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions for this category.
Is Merlot red wine?
Yes, Merlot is a red wine grape, and all Merlot wines are red wines made from the dark-skinned Merlot grape.
What kind of wine is Merlot?
Merlot is typically a smooth, medium- to full-bodied red wine with soft tannins and ripe fruit flavours. It is known for being approachable, versatile, and easy to pair with food.
Is Merlot a sweet or dry wine?
Merlot is almost always made in a dry style. While its ripe fruit flavours can feel plush or juicy, Merlot wine contains very little residual sugar and is classified as dry.
Is Merlot a light or heavy wine?
Merlot usually sits in the middle of the spectrum, making it a medium-bodied wine. Some styles can feel lighter and fresher, while others, especially oak-aged or warmer-climate Merlots, can be richer and more full-bodied.
What does Merlot wine taste like?
Merlot wines typically show flavours of plum, black cherry, and red berries, often with notes of chocolate, herbs, or vanilla when aged in oak. The texture is generally smooth and rounded rather than firm or grippy.
Why did people stop drinking Merlot?
Merlot’s popularity dipped in the early 2000s after it became widely associated with mass-produced, low-quality wines. However, high-quality and natural Merlot wines have since helped restore its reputation, showing how expressive and elegant the grape can be.
What is French Merlot like?
French Merlot is often more structured and elegant than many New World styles, with balanced fruit, fresh acidity, and subtle earthy notes. It is commonly found in Bordeaux, where it plays a key role in classic blends.
What is natural Merlot wine?
Natural Merlot wine is made with minimal intervention, often using organic or biodynamic grapes and little added sulphur. These wines tend to be fresher, lighter, and more expressive of the grape and vineyard.
What foods pair well with Merlot?
Merlot pairs well with a wide range of foods, including roasted meats, pasta dishes, grilled vegetables, and mild cheeses. Its soft tannins make it particularly good with tomato-based sauces and everyday meals.
Which is the best Merlot wine?
The best Merlot wine depends on personal preference. Some people prefer classic, structured French Merlot, while others enjoy softer, fruit-forward styles or lighter natural expressions.
Is Merlot good for beginners?
Yes, Merlot is often recommended for beginners thanks to its smooth texture, gentle tannins, and easy-drinking style, making it an accessible introduction to red wine.
