What is Merlot?
Quick answer
Merlot is the world's second most planted red grape (~266,000 ha), from Bordeaux. Softer and fruitier than Cabernet Sauvignon, it delivers plum, dark cherry and chocolate aromas with round, velvety tannins. It dominates Bordeaux's Right Bank (Saint-Émilion, Pomerol).
Detailed answer
Merlot is often the first red wine people fall in love with, thanks to its approachability and gentle tannins. Its name likely comes from the blackbird (merle in French), which is fond of its sweet, early-ripening berries.
In Bordeaux, Merlot is the most planted variety (66% of the region's vineyards). It reigns on the Right Bank: in Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, it typically makes up 80–100% of the blend, producing rich, round, silky wines. Top Pomerols are among Bordeaux's most expensive wines. On the Left Bank, it plays a supporting role alongside Cabernet Sauvignon, adding roundness and fruit.
Merlot ripens earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon, making it suited to slightly cooler climates. It thrives on clay and limestone soils, where it develops extra finesse.
Globally, Merlot excels in Chile (particularly Colchagua Valley), northern Italy (Friuli, Trentino), California (Sonoma), Australia and New Zealand (Hawke's Bay). Swiss Ticino also produces excellent Merlots.
The flavour profile includes plum, dark cherry, chocolate, prune and fig in ripe versions, with violet, liquorice and truffle notes in aged examples. Its round texture and supple tannins make it endlessly versatile at the dinner table.