MERLOT

Merlot is one of the world's most popular wines. Originating from Bordeaux, France, it has found a home in nearly every major wine-growing region around the globe. The name “Merlot” (pronounced ‘mur-low’) comes from the French word for blackbird – ‘merle’ – a reference to the grape’s deep colour. Known for its soft, juicy profile, Merlot is a medium to full-bodied wine noted for its velvety texture.

Merlot plays a significant role both as a varietal wine and in blends. In Bordeaux, it's a key component in some of the world's most esteemed wines, particularly in the region's Right Bank. In the New World, places like California's Napa Valley are famous for their high-quality Merlot wines.

Australian Merlot wines offer exceptional quality and value. Australia's diverse climates and innovative winemaking techniques allow for a wide range of styles, from easy-drinking, fruit-forward wines to complex, structured ones that can age for several years.

Merlot has its roots in Bordeaux, France, though it has become popular with winemakers around the globe. It’s grown across the world in many countries, including Australia.

Some of Australia’s most notable regions for Merlot include:

Margaret River, Western Australia – This region is known for its Bordeaux-style blends, often using Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The cooler maritime climate helps produce Merlot with more concentrated fruit flavours.

Coonawarra, South Australia – Situated in the Limestone Coast zone, Coonawarra is famous for its unique terra rossa soil. These Merlot wines often have rich, dark fruit flavours and soft tannins.

McLaren Vale, South Australia – Its Mediterranean-style climate and varied soil types create favourable conditions for growing Merlot grapes, resulting in full-bodied wines with ripe, juicy flavours.

Hunter Valley, New South Wales – Although more known for its Semillon and Shiraz, Hunter Valley also grows Merlot, often used in blends to add softness and complexity.

Yarra Valley, Victoria – The cooler climate of Yarra Valley produces elegant Merlot wines, often with red fruit flavours, soft tannins and a hint of spice.

Thanks to its ability to flourish in various climates, Merlot vines can also be found in Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, North America and South Africa. The unique growing conditions in each region give the wines distinct characteristics, providing a range of options for Merlot lovers to appreciate.

Merlot wines are typically smooth, well-rounded and fruity. They are generally dry, with sweet fruit flavours that balance out the medium acidity. You can expect Merlot wines to have an alcohol content between 13.5 to 15% ABV.

Merlot’s ability to grow in different soils and climates results in wines that can vary depending on where the grapes are grown. Bordeaux Merlots are typically rich and robust, while Australian Merlots tend to be fruitier and medium-bodied.

Merlots are known for their deep and rich flavours, which match their hallmark colour. They showcase a range of tastes, including fresh plum and cherry, baked blackberry, dark chocolate and potent spices such as clove.

Merlot usually has a lighter colour and fewer tannins than a grape such as Cabernet Sauvignon. However, it has a rounder body and often a higher alcohol content.

When Merlot is aged in oak barrels, it may develop extra layers of flavour, such as vanilla and mocha. The spice nuances of the wine can also become more intense.

Merlot and Shiraz are two red grape varieties with different characteristics.

Merlot originates from Bordeaux, France, and is widely grown worldwide. It typically makes smooth, medium to full-bodied wines with flavours of red and dark fruits, such as cherries, raspberries and blackberries. Hints of chocolate and herbs often accompany these flavours.

Shiraz wine originates from the Rhône region of France but is commonly grown in Australia today. These wines are typically full-bodied, with robust black fruit flavours and spice notes, including black pepper and elements of chocolate or liquorice.

Merlot’s claim to fame lies in its versatility, offering a variety of styles at prices to suit everyone’s taste.

If you appreciate a fuller-bodied wine with a prominent structure, you may want to explore the Coonawarra region in Australia or Saint-Émilion in Bordeaux, France. Merlot wines from these regions often have concentrated fruit flavours and complexity, especially when aged for some time.

Those looking for a softer and fruit-forward Merlot may want to consider wines from Australia’s Yarra Valley. Merlot from this region is recognisable for its red fruit flavours and softer tannins. These wines are quite approachable early on and do not necessarily require extended ageing to unveil their charm and character.

Fruity, somewhat acidic Merlots blend well with salmon, lamb, duck, and even meals centred around mushrooms. Lighter Merlots pair nicely with pork dishes, especially those with smoked bacon.

To fully appreciate Merlot’s characteristics, avoiding extra spicy dishes is advisable. The heat may interfere with the wine’s flavour traits.

To allow its rich, fruity flavours to develop fully, decant Merlot about 30 minutes before you plan to drink it. Serve it in a glass with a large bowl to help the flavours develop fully.

Merlot should be served at room temperature, around 20°C, or a bit cooler, around 17°C. Serving the wine at this temperature allows the wine's flavours to express themselves fully without the alcohol overpowering the palate. If the wine is served too warm, it can taste overly alcoholic and lose its balance.