Merlot

It is a variety that originated in France and is mainly used for red wine. It is said that the name comes from a small bird called Merle (blackbird). Due to its characteristic flavor, Merlot is an indispensable part of Bordeaux wine as the best partner to blend with Cabernet Sauvignon. It is cultivated mainly in the Bordeaux region of France (65% of the cultivation area in Bordeaux is Merlot), as well as in the southwest and Languedoc-Roussillon regions.

Outside of France, Merlot is grown in European countries such as Italy and Switzerland, as well as in California in the United States, South Africa, Chile, and Argentina.

Although it thrives in mild climates, it can also ripen in cooler climates because its thin skin ripens easily. Merlot grapes tend to be large and plentiful, so thinning is important to produce high-quality grapes.

The harvest time is important for the thin-skinned Merlot, and if it is overripe, the characteristics of Merlot are lost. On gravel soil, the grapes ripen early and if the harvest time is wrong, it can be fatal, but on clay soil such as Pomerol and Saint-Emilion, it brings excellent quality. Since the 1960s, the stable variety has been fixed, and thanks to the improvement of production technology, Merlot has become very popular because it is easy to grow and brew, and produces wines that are complex yet easy to drink from a young age.

Merlot is suitable for both fruity, easy-drinking wines and rich, complex wines with a strong structure.

Its main characteristics are its approachability, ease of drinking, and full-bodied mouthfeel. In contrast to Cabernet Sauvignon, which has thick skin and a lot of tannins, in Bordeaux it is often blended to bring out the best in both.

The characteristic aromas are red fruits, black fruits such as prunes, blueberries, and dark cherries, with hints of violets and mint. As it ages, it becomes more earthy and develops into a mushroom and leather scent.

Merlot is lighter and easier to drink than dark red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, and has less tannin astringency. It is best paired with meat dishes, but it can be paired with a wide variety of meats, from chicken to beef.

Learn more about pairing Merlot with food