Merlot

1. Overview

Merlot is one of the world’s most popular black grapes, known for making smooth, fruity red wines that are easy to enjoy.
It originally comes from Bordeaux in France, but today it is grown all over the world.
Merlot wines are usually soft, ripe, and full of flavours like plum, cherry, and chocolate.

2. What It Tastes Like

Merlot is loved for its smooth texture and gentle tannins.
Common flavours include:

• Plum and black cherry
• Chocolate and mocha
• Soft spice
• A little herbal note in cooler climates

Warmer climates make richer, fuller Merlot; cooler ones make fresher, lighter versions.

3. Where It’s Grown

France – Bordeaux

The home of Merlot.

• Used in famous blends from Saint-Émilion and Pomerol
• Gives wines richness and smooth fruit

United States – California & Washington

• California: ripe, soft, fruity
• Washington: structured, bold, and very flavourful

Italy

• Tuscany: powerful, dark-fruited Merlot in “Super Tuscan” wines
• Northern Italy: light, soft, easy-drinking styles

Chile

• Warm areas produce plummy, round Merlot
• Cooler coastal zones make fresher, red-fruited wines

New Zealand – Hawke’s Bay

• Dark, structured Merlot, similar to Bordeaux blends

4. Merlot in Blends

Merlot is often mixed with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
It helps by:

• Adding softness and ripe fruit
• Making the wine taste smoother
• Balancing Cabernet’s firmer tannins

This is why Merlot is key in many famous Bordeaux-style blends.

5. Winemaking

• Usually aged in oak barrels to add flavours like vanilla, spice, or chocolate
• Winemakers extract tannins gently to keep Merlot soft
• Styles range from easy, fruity reds to serious, ageworthy wines

6. Wines Worth Trying

• Bordeaux Right Bank (Saint-Émilion or Pomerol blends)
• Washington State Merlot (rich and structured)
• Tuscany (Super Tuscan Merlot)
• Chile (smooth, warm-climate examples)
• NE Italy (great value, fruit-forward Merlot)

7. Summary

Merlot is a smooth, fruity grape that makes wines many people love right away.
It can be simple and easy-drinking or rich and powerful in the best regions.
Wherever it grows, Merlot brings soft tannins, ripe fruit, and a friendly, generous style.