Merlot is a versatile wine that can range from fruity and smooth to sophisticated and age-worthy. It is often mistaken for Cabernet Sauvignon, but should not be underestimated.
When it comes to taste, Merlot is a chameleon. Its flavor profile varies depending on how it is made and where it is grown. In cooler climates, you can expect fresh red plum and cherry notes, while warmer climates produce baked blackberry and fruitcake flavors. Top examples of Merlot will have vanilla and spice aromas from oak aging. As it ages, Merlot develops chocolatey, meaty, and tobacco aromas. On the palate, Merlot is smooth compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, with lower acidity and smoother tannins.
To fully enjoy Merlot, it should be served slightly below room temperature, around 60-68°F (15-20°C). A large wine glass that allows for aeration is recommended, and decanting for 30 minutes before serving can help the wine open up. Merlot gains complexity with age, revealing spicy and plummy notes, as well as undertones of dark chocolate. It can age gracefully for 3-7 years, with exceptional ones improving for 15 years or more.
Merlot pairs well with a wide variety of foods. For easy drinking Merlot, simple dishes like pizza, BBQ chicken, or penne boscaiola are recommended. For Merlot-dominant blends with earthy notes, roast turkey, beef short rib, or rustic ratatouille are great options. For full and lush warm climate styles, rack of lamb, roast veal, or filet mignon with peppercorn sauce are ideal pairings.
Here are five fun facts about Merlot: it is the second-most planted grape in the world, the most planted grape variety in Bordeaux, its name translates to "little blackbird" in an old French dialect, it originates from Bordeaux and was mentioned as early as 1783, and it is a half-sibling of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Merlot thrives in moderate to warm climates and clay soils. Major regions for Merlot include Bordeaux, Tuscany, California, and Chile. In Bordeaux, Merlot is commonly blended with Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc, resulting in rich plum flavors with earthy and herbal nuances. In Tuscany, Merlot is often paired with Cabernet Sauvignon in Super Tuscan wines. In the United States, Merlot is well-known in California and Washington state, producing ripe and fruit-forward styles. In Chile, Merlot varies from easy-drinking and fruity to more structured and serious examples.
Merlot's smooth texture is due to its tannin structure. It has thinner skins and fewer seeds compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in less tannin extraction and a smoother wine. Despite its qualities, Merlot has often played second fiddle to Cabernet Sauvignon, but it is re-emerging as a splendid varietal capable of creating lush, complex, and versatile wines.