Merlot

merlot

ByCristal G, WSET3 Advanced, Wine & Spirits Last uncorked on

Merlot is one of the world’s most widely planted grape varieties. Known for its smooth, approachable character, it produces wines that range from light and fruity to rich ripe fruit flavors and full-bodied. The name “Merlot” comes from the French word “merle,” meaning blackbird, likely referring to the Merlot grape’s dark blue-black color or the birds’ fondness for eating the ripe fruit.

Merlot is celebrated for its versatility, serving as both a standalone varietal wine and a crucial blending component, particularly in Bordeaux-style blends. Merlot is often considered more accessible than Cabernet Sauvignon, with softer tannins and a rounder mouthfeel that appeals to both novice and experienced wine drinkers.

Origins of Merlot

Merlot originated in the Bordeaux region of France, where it has been cultivated since at least the 18th century. The Merlot grape was first mentioned in official documents in 1784, though it likely existed in the region much earlier. Merlot is a cross between Cabernet Franc and Magdeleine Noire des Charentes, a now-rare grape variety.

The Merlot grape variety gained prominence in Bordeaux’s Right Bank appellations, particularly Saint-ร‰milion and Pomerol, where Merlot performs well in the clay-rich soils proved ideal for cultivating Merlot vines and has a reputation of excellent wine quality. From France, Merlot has spread throughout the wine world, becoming one of the most internationally planted grape varieties by the late 20th century.

Interestingly, Merlot has experienced both triumph and controversy in popular culture, most notably with the “sideways effect” in the early 2000s, which temporarily dampened its popularity in some markets before wine enthusiasts rediscovered its merits.

What Makes Merlot Unique

Several characteristics distinguish Merlot from other red wine grapes:

Early Ripening: Merlot ripens earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon, making it valuable in cooler climates and as a blending partner to add softness and fruit-forward character.

Soft Tannins: Merlot naturally produces wines with gentler, more supple tannins compared to Cabernet Sauvignon or Nebbiolo, creating velvety wines and a smoother drinking experience.

Versatility: Merlot adapts well to different winemaking styles and terroirs, producing everything from light, everyday wines to age-worthy, premium bottlings.

Blending Compatibility: Merlot’s moderate acidity and soft tannins make it an excellent blending grape, particularly with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in Bordeaux-style blends.

Expressive Terroir: While often considered “easy-drinking,” quality Merlot can beautifully express its growing environment, from the limestone soils of Saint-ร‰milion to the volcanic slopes of Napa Valley as a single varietal wine.

Where Merlot Grows In The World

Merlot has found success in wine regions across the globe:

France: The grape’s homeland remains its most prestigious growing region, particularly in Bordeaux’s Right Bank (Saint-ร‰milion, Pomerol) and increasingly Merlot is grown in Languedoc.

United States: California leads American Merlot production, with notable regions including Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and Washington State’s Columbia Valley, which has emerged as a premium Merlot region.

Italy: Merlot thrives in northeastern regions like Veneto and Friuli, as well as in Tuscany, where it’s used in Super Tuscan blends.

Chile: The country has become a major Merlot producer, with regions like Maipo Valley and Colchagua Valley producing both value and premium Chilean Merlot expressions.

Australia: Regions such as Margaret River and Adelaide Hills produce distinctive Merlot wines.

Other Notable Regions: Argentina’s Mendoza, South Africa’s Stellenbosch, and New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay all produce noteworthy Merlot wines.

How Do Winemakers Use Merlot

Winemakers employ various techniques to maximize Merlot’s potential:

Varietal Wines: Many producers create 100% Merlot wines to showcase the grape’s pure expression, particularly in regions like Pomerol and Washington State.

Bordeaux Blends: Merlot serves as the dominant grape in Right Bank Bordeaux blends, typically combined with Cabernet Franc and smaller amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon.

International Blends: Outside France, winemakers often blend Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon to add softness and early approachability to the wine.

Oak Treatment: Depending on the style, Merlot may be aged in French or American oak barrels to add complexity, or fermented in stainless steel to preserve fresh fruit character.

Harvest Timing: Careful harvest timing is crucial, as Merlot can quickly become overripe, losing its characteristic elegance.

Tasting Notes and Wine Specifications

Color:

Merlot wines typically display a deep ruby to purple color when young, evolving to garnet and brick red hues with age. The intensity can vary from medium to deep depending on the growing conditions and winemaking techniques.

Aroma:

Primary Merlot aromas include black cherry, plum, and blackberry, often accompanied by chocolate, vanilla, and spice notes from oak aging. More complex examples may show tobacco, leather, cedar, and earthy undertones.

Flavor:

The palate of Merlot mirrors the aromatics with rich dark fruit flavors. Plum and black cherry dominate, supported by notes of cocoa, coffee, herbs, and sometimes a hint of mint or eucalyptus. The flavor profile can range from simple and fruity to complex and layered.

Structure:

Merlot wines are characterized by moderate to high alcohol (typically 13-15%), medium to full body, and soft to moderate tannins. Acidity is generally moderate, contributing to the wine’s approachable nature.

Aging:

Quality Merlot wines can age gracefully for 5-15 years, with the best examples from regions like Pomerol aging for decades. During aging, fruit flavors evolve into more complex secondary and tertiary notes.

Food Pairing:

Merlot’s versatility makes it excellent with roasted meats, particularly lamb and beef, pasta with rich sauces, aged cheeses, and chocolate desserts. Its moderate tannins also pair well with duck, pork, and mushroom-based dishes.

The Role of Merlot In The Wine World Today

Today, Merlot occupies a significant position in the global wine landscape. Despite facing periods of criticism and market fluctuations, the grape has maintained its importance for several reasons:

Accessibility: Merlot serves as an entry point for many new red wine drinkers due to its approachable tannin structure and fruit-forward character.

Blending Component: Merlot remains essential in premium Bordeaux blends and international Bordeaux-style wines, providing structure and elegance.

Terroir Expression: Modern winemakers increasingly focus on terroir-driven Merlot wines that showcase specific vineyard sites and regional characteristics.

Quality Renaissance: Regions like Washington State and select areas of California have demonstrated that Merlot is capable of creating wines that are world-class when grown in appropriate sites with careful winemaking.

Value Proposition: Merlot often provides excellent value compared to similarly aged Cabernet Sauvignon wines, making quality wine more accessible to consumers.

Should You Try Merlot?

Absolutely. Merlot offers something for every wine enthusiast:

For Beginners: Merlot’s soft tannins and approachable fruit flavors make it an ideal introduction to red wine.

For Experienced Drinkers: Premium wines from regions like Pomerol, Washington State, or Tuscany offer complexity and aging potential that rivals any noble grape variety.

For Food Enthusiasts: Its food-friendly nature makes it an excellent choice for pairing with a wide range of cuisines.

For Value Seekers: Many regions produce high-quality Merlot wines at reasonable prices, offering excellent drinking pleasure without breaking the bank.

For Collectors: Age-worthy Merlot wines from prestigious producers can be excellent additions to any wine cellar.

Conclusion

Merlot stands as one of wine’s most important and versatile grape varieties. From its origins in Bordeaux to its global presence today, and has proven its ability to produce wines of exceptional quality and character. While it may have faced periods of unfair criticism, discerning wine lovers have always recognized its merits.

Whether you’re seeking an approachable everyday wine or a serious bottle for special occasions, Merlot offers options across the quality and price spectrum. Its combination of accessibility, food-friendliness, and potential for complexity ensures that Merlot will continue to play a vital role in the wine world for generations to come.

The key to appreciating Merlot lies in understanding that, like all great wine grapes, it reflects its terroir and the winemaker’s skill. From the legendary Pรฉtrus of Pomerol to emerging stars from Washington State, it continues to surprise and delight wine enthusiasts worldwide. Give it a chance, and you may discover why this “blackbird” grape has captured the hearts of wine lovers across the globe.