Merlot

Merlot is a dry, medium to full-bodied red originally from Bordeaux, France, and now grown all over the world. Expect juicy plum, black cherry and blackberry with herbs, chocolate and gentle spice. Smooth and approachable, it’s brilliant with roast beef, burgers, roast chicken, pork, lasagne, bolognese and mushroom dishes.

Taste:

Smooth, fruity and famous for a reason.

Merlot is typically dry and medium to full-bodied, with moderate acidity and soft to moderate tannins. Plum is its calling card, usually joined by black cherry, blackberry and raspberry.

Depending on where it’s grown, you might also find dried herbs, violet and earthy flavours. Oak-aged Merlot can bring vanilla, cedar, cocoa, chocolate or coffee, while mature bottles may develop leather, tobacco and savoury notes.

Cooler regions often produce fresher, more structured Merlot, while warmer climates can deliver riper, softer and more fruit-forward wines.

It's basically the red-wine equivalent of someone who gets along with everyone at the party.

Food Pairings:

Merlot’s softer tannins and generous fruit make it ridiculously versatile with food.

Try it with roast beef, steak, burgers, beef stew, meatballs, roast chicken, grilled chicken, pork chops, roast pork or sausages.

Tomato-based pasta dishes are another great match. Lasagne, spaghetti bolognese, beef ragù, meatballs in tomato sauce and baked pasta all work well with Merlot’s fruit and acidity.

For pizza, try pepperoni, sausage, mushroom, prosciutto or meat feast.

Merlot’s earthy side also works brilliantly with mushroom risotto, mushroom pasta, mushroom pie and roasted vegetables.

For cheese, try Brie, Camembert, Gouda, Gruyère or medium to mature Cheddar.

Similar Wines:

If you enjoy Merlot, Pomerol is an essential next step. Merlot dominates many of the famous wines from this small Bordeaux appellation, where it can become particularly rich, complex and luxurious.

Saint-Émilion is another brilliant place to explore Merlot-led Bordeaux blends, often alongside Cabernet Franc.

For something bolder and more structured, try Cabernet Sauvignon, while Malbec is a great shout if you love Merlot’s dark fruit but want to turn up the intensity.

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More About Merlot:

Merlot originated in Bordeaux, where it remains one of the region’s most important grapes. It’s particularly associated with Bordeaux’s Right Bank, including Pomerol and Saint-Émilion.

Today, it’s one of the world’s most widely planted red varieties, with major plantings across France, Italy, the United States, Chile, Australia and many other wine-producing countries.

The name is thought to come from merle, the French word for blackbird, possibly referring to the grape’s dark colour or the birds’ apparent fondness for eating it.

Merlot is also related to Cabernet Franc, which genetic research has identified as one of its parents.

Smooth, popular and connected to half of Bordeaux.

Merlot's networking game is excellent.