Wine Series #2 – Merlot, The Softer Side of Reds

Wine is a pivotal part of many a date night, dinner, casual or formal social events. A basic understanding of wine is essential knowledge for a man over 50 if for nothing else to make an informed decision if asked to select for your party. In this series, we’ll look at another of the far-reaching varietals: the Merlot.

Background & Trivia:

Merlot is the grape variety used in making the wine. Along with its sibling, the cabernet sauvignon, its existence is attributed to the Bordeaux region in France where it’s one of the most widely-planted red varietals. It’s a very adaptable and an earlier ripening grape, meaning it can grow reliably in cooler climates as opposed to other reds. The downside is it’s more susceptible to frost damage in the spring, but its heartiness gives it a dependability as an “insurance grape” to growers. When it’s harvested though depends on the region and the desired effect.

Characteristics:

You’ll recognize the flavor characteristics in the lighter nature of the wine, along with a sweeter aroma and deep, dark-blue/purple hues. It’s smoother and softer than a cabernet sauvignon and often used to round out and lessen the toughness of heartier wines. The notes are easily identified with plum or black cherry, and what could be best described as a “fleshier” taste. Another recognizable trait is the lowered tannin impression; the dryness you feel in your mouth when drinking something like a cabernet.

Food Pairings:

Merlot is a red wine that pairs with many of the same substantial meals as a cabernet, but it’s smoothness and easy-drinking style can help it go with a variety of meals. Consider beef, veal, chicken, pork loin, lamb chops, and duck.

Locations:

The varietal is recognized throughout the globe and is one of the primary plantings in Bordeaux, France, where it accounts for about two-thirds of global production. A close second is in Italy and throughout Europe and South America. The popularity has waned in the United States; varietals such as cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel and pinot noir have overtaken merlot in terms of reputation.

Regionals: Old World vs New World

Old World

France (Bordeaux) –

Where left bank wines are predominantly cabernet, right bank is planted with merlot. Fronsac and its satellite appellations, St. Emilion and its satellite appellations, Pomerol and its satellite appellations, Graves, Entre-deux-Mers and Bordeaux Superieur.

These grapes are generally softer than what comes from the left bank meaning the wines don’t need as much aging as the left bank, but many are capable of extremely long-term cellaring. The satellite appellations are home to highly rated wines that aren’t going to set you back hundreds of dollars but cellaring and price can be a barrier for the average wine consumer.

Italy –

Not too common but Italian varietals do exist. These are grown mainly in Tuscany in and around the village of Bolgheri and its associated licensed regions. IGT (lesser regulated growers) merlots are generally found in the Veneto and Tuscany but can be found as far south as Sicily. Italian merlots ranges wildly in style; from muscular and earthy to a more polished and fruity style of wine.

Spain –

There are regions in Spain that grow merlot, such as Montsant, but most are used in blending.

New World

Most New World regions grow merlot and much like cabernet’s each region is going to have a style unto themselves.

California –

Merlot varietals are grown everywhere in California, are typically softer than Cabernets but some structured examples do exist. Seen in many of the top-flight reds as a blending grape. These can handle the cooler regions much better than Cabernet and thus may produce wines with medium acidity levels and moderate tannins.

Washington – 

A bit plumper overall with more elegance, also noted for medium acidity and lighter tannins.

Chile –

For many years Carmenere was mistakenly believed to be merlot until DNA testing showed that much of the plantings were in fact Carmenere. Still, the wine has a great reputation as a blend. Value bottlings exist and are used in many of Chile’s finer, upper-tier wines.

Australia –

As the country has no native grape, merlot is planted in most regions and used in many of the Bordeaux style blends as single varietals.

Argentina –

Generally, more of a value-oriented wine, it is seen as a blending grape for many of the finer Cuvees.

South Africa –

Merlots here a most used in the more value-oriented wines but also seen in many of its cabernet-based Cuvees.

Selections:

Some of our selections and recommendation in your search for a favorite merlot.
France
Most Famous
▪ Petrus
▪ Chateau Peby Faugeres
Values
▪ Luc Pirlet Merlot
▪ Chateau Garraud “Marquis de G”
▪ Chateau Montet Bordeaux Merlot
▪ Chateau Bois Chantant

Italy
Most Famous
▪ Masseto Toscana IGT
▪ Tua Rita Redigaffi Toscana IGT
▪ Le Macchiole Messorio Toscana IGT
Values
▪ Villa Pozzi Merlot Sicilia IGT
▪ Falesco “Tellus” Merlot Umbria IGT
▪ Castiglion del Bosco Dainero Toscana IGT

California

Napa Valley Merlots
Most Famous
• Barnett Merlot Spring Mountain
• Bevan Cellars Sugarloaf Mountain Proprietary Red
• Chappellet Napa Valley
• Duckhorn Vineyards Three Palms
• Duckhorn Vineyards
• Marilyn Monroe Wines “Marilyn” Merlot
Values
• Courtney Benham Merlot Napa
• Franciscan
• Markham
• Dominican Oaks
• Rutherford Hill

Sonoma Merlots
Most Famous
• Melka Red Blend Mekerra Vineyard Knights Valley
• Pride Mountain Vineyards Napa/Sonoma County
Values
• Blackstone
• Bogle
• Montoya
• Ferrari-Carano
• Oak Grove
• Beyer Ranch Merlot Central Coast

Chile
Most Famous (Largely Bordeaux Blends featuring merlot)
▪ Sena
▪ Montes Alpha M
▪ Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta
Values
▪ Montes Classic Series Merlot
▪ Porta Merlot Reserva
▪ Santa Ema Merlot Reserve
▪ Trio Merlot Reserva
▪ Vistamar Sepia Single Vineyard Reserva

Thanks for taking the time to read through our wine blog. Check out our other article on the Cabernet Sauvignon if you’d like! Need wine accessories? Please use our Amazon Partner links below.

Some references sourced to: Vine Pair