Quick-Start guide to Merlot

The best regions for Merlot

Today Merlot is grown all over the world. The grape is planted in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile, Argentina, California, Washington State, Spain, Bulgaria, Romania and Italy. But the origins of Merlot lie in southwest corner France, in Bordeaux.

The first mentions of Merlot began around the latter half of the 18th Century. In 1784 a local Bordeaux official in the Libournais recorded that one wine made from the grape was one of the area's best. Also known as Petit Merle and Bordeleza Belcha, Merlot is said to be named after the local blackbirds (merlau) which like eating the early ripening grapes on the vine. Even today, about two thirds of all the world’s Merlot comes from France.

The best French regions for Merlot

Bordeaux

Merlot is the most widely grown grape in Bordeaux. An entry-level claret from France’s No.1 wine region gives you unoaked, simple and fruity flavours: red wine to be enjoyed young and without fanfare. But it’s here that Merlot can really scale the heights, especially on the steep limestone slopes of one of Bordeaux's largest winemaking appellations, Saint-Emilion.

Saint-Emilion

On aeroplanes, you turn left for First Class... In Bordeaux, if you want truly first-class Merlot, you turn to the right – to Saint-Emilion, and its smaller neighbour, Pomerol, on the right bank of the Garonne river. A red wine from Pomerol is usually between 90 and 100% Merlot. A red wine from Saint Emilion is around 60–70% Merlot (sometimes more) and is blended with mainly Cabernet Franc.

Either way, these Merlot-dominated reds are some of the most expensive, complex, age-worthy and sought-after wines made anywhere. Full bodied, complex and highly prestigious - with prices to match.

Languedoc-Roussillon

For more affordable Merlot reds, head also to the South of France, where the vast sweep of the Languedoc-Roussillon (aka the Midi) is making a name for itself as France’s best value wine region. Or you can start looking further afield…Block 4 - Best French regions for Merlot

Chilean Merlot

For a great combination of quality and value, head to Chile. Chilean Merlot is known for its full-bodied, plummy, spicy reds that make for very easy drinking at an any day price.

Australian Merlot

Merlot is a hugely popular grape in Australia. Yes, a lot is simple and easy drinking… but head to the cooler regions in Western Australia, such as Margaret River, and you’ll discover beautifully blended reds to rival Bordeaux’s finest.

American Merlot

Compared to France and Italy, you’ll find riper more fruit forward styles across the pond, but each state can produce different wines based on their particular terroir.

• Californian Merlots are sumptuous reds, fruit-forward, with lots of raspberry and blackberry cut with strong mocha and chocolate notes.
• Napa Valley Merlots are full bodied, smooth and velvety. What’s more, Merlot from Napa Valley, whilst bold and rich, can also have a slightly minty note, keeping it fresh and exciting.
• Washington state Merlots are fresh and elegant, thanks to cool night-time temperatures. Expect ripe black fruit, with a crisp, herbal edge.

How to best serve Merlot

Just like other red Bordeaux wines, Merlot can taste best when served slightly chilled, at 16° to 18° C.

• Simply stick the bottle in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before you uncork it.
• Serve it in a Bordeaux red wine glass with a large bowl and a stem.
• You can then hold the glass by the stem, which means that your hand then won’t warm up the wine.
• When Merlot gets too warm, the alcohol tastes hot and the flavours become muddled.

How to properly store Merlot

You might not think it, but Merlot ages just as well as Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines become softer and often smokier (think tobacco) with age. If you are setting a few bottles aside, remember:

• Keep the temperature consistent: cool but not cold.
• Don't expose bottles to excessive light or sunlight.
• Store bottles on their side, in an area where there's little vibration.
• Once opened, a bottle of Merlot will happily keep for two to three days.