Mer-Loh
Originating in the Bordeaux region of France in 1784, Merlot is one of the most popular wines in the world, and the second-most planted grape in the world, just behind Cabernet Sauvignon. The offspring of Cabernet Franc and the much lesser known Magdeleine Noire des Charentes, it quickly gained notoriety in France and was soon being grown in Italy, the United States, Chile, Spain, South Africa, Australia, and even China. The first official record of Merlot came from a Bordeaux official claiming the wine to be one of the finest of the time. The name Merlot is said to come from the French, merle, meaning “blackbird” due the grapes’ dark blue-black color.
Merlot Tasting Notes
Merlot is a dry, medium-to-full-bodied red full of luscious fruit flavor, smooth, moderate tannins, and a relatively high acidity. Its soft, velvety texture makes it very approachable and a great option for those new to red wine. An average ABV of 13-15% places the wine on the higher end of the alcohol spectrum. Notes of chocolate, black fruits and baking spices can be found in most bottles of merlot.
Part of Merlot’s popularity stems from its chameleon-like ability to adapt to different climates. Merlot takes on the characteristics of its location and wine-making techniques resulting in wine that is as unique in character as the regions its grown. The downside of this adaptability is the belief that anyone can grow Merlot which has resulted in poor quality wines from less experienced wine makers.
Merlot Styles
The diverse range of styles make it a premium choice for blends, but is also sublime as a single variety. You will notice a distinct difference between Merlot’s grown in cool climates, like France, Northern Italy and Chile, and those grown in warmer climates like California, Argentina and Australia. How cool or warm a region is will dictate how ripe the grape is at the time of harvest. The amount of alcohol, acidity, and sugar in the wine is heavily influenced by the ripeness of the grape.
Cool Climate Merlot
Cool climate wines have more natural structure than their warm climate counterparts, and cool climate merlot is often confused with Cabernet Sauvignon. The cool weather results in an earthy, full-bodied wine with robust tannins, more natural acidity, and a bright ruby color. A sip of cool-climate merlot will bring you notes of berry, mushroom, truffle and tobacco leaf, along with flowery aromatics.
Warm Climate Merlot
Warm climate Merlots, or “New World” merlot, will feature bold fruit flavor, soft, supple tannins and a smooth finish resulting in a light-bodied, easy to drink wine. Vintners in warm climates will often use a 24-month oak-aging process resulting in a more structured wine with perceptible notes of rich baking spices like cinnamon and vanilla, along with chocolate, vanilla and cedar.
Serving Merlot
“Room temperature” is no longer considered an accurate gauge for serving red wine, given the varying degrees in which a room may be. The ideal temperature is 60-68°F or 15-20°C. Many of us do not have a wine fridge at home so popping a bottle in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes prior to serving should bring the bottle within the optimal temperature. You will want to decant or let the bottle sit open to breath for 20-30 minutes and then serve in an oversized wine glass.
Aging Merlot
Merlot ages almost as well as Cabernet Sauvignon. With age, the wine becomes softer and you will pick up more earthy, smoky notes like tobacco leaf. Merlot can age anywhere from 3 to 20 years with only the most rare and expensive bottles holding up for the full 20. Most inexpensive bottles should be drunk within a year, and up to years for higher quality bottles.
When aging, it’s important the wine is stored properly. Bottles should rest on their side, in an area with low humidity, and the temperature should be cool, but not cold. You will also want to take care to avoid excessive light and high traffic areas that could cause vibration.
Merlot Blends
Bordeaux
Bordeaux’s from the left bank consist of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. The right bank Bordeaux is a Merlot dominant blend along with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Meritage
California Bordeaux-style wines that can be a combination of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.
Washington CMS
A blend of the state’s most important reds: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.
Super Tuscan
From Tuscany, a blend of Cabernet, Merlot, and Sangiovese.
Priorat
Priorat hails from Spain and is a blend of Merlot, Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Average Price of Merlot
Merlot can be found in a wide range of prices, but your average bottle will cost around $10, but you can easily find bottles that are far more expensive. The low price point shouldn’t deter you, though. There are plenty of quality wines on the lower end of the pricing scale and just as we should not judge a book by its cover, we should also not judge a wine by its price tag.
Fun Facts About Merlot
- Merlot is the most planted grape in the Bordeaux region of France.
- A case of 1961 Pétrus sold at a 2011 auction for $144,000 ($12,000 a bottle), making it the most expensive case of Merlot ever sold.
- Merlot’s reputation suffered in 2004 after it was maligned by the protagonist of the film Sideways, resulting in a 2% drop in sales.
- Merlot is very sensitive to light, giving it a subtle orange hue around the rim.
