Merlot Wine

Merlot’s soft, plummy fruit character makes it one of the world’s most enjoyable, easiest-drinking red wines—no wonder it’s a firm favorite with many red wine lovers.

The name Merlot (pronounced mur-low) is thought to be a diminutive of merle, the French name for the blackbird, due to the color of the grape. The blue-black grapes are used both for single-variety wines and for blending—it’s the primary grape used in France’s luxurious Bordeaux blends and is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon (on the Left Bank) and Cabernet Franc (on the Right Bank).

Though dominant in France, Merlot is now grown across the globe, creating wines that run the gamut from fruit-forward and jammy to more nuanced and age-worthy.

Looking to choose the perfect Merlot? Explore our curated collection of tempting Merlot wines from around the world to discover your next go-to favorite for any occasion.

Originating from the Bordeaux region of France, where it still dominates vineyards, Merlot is popular with winemakers across the globe.

Extremely adaptable, Merlot grapes can be grown in many climates, creating delicious, exciting variations.

Great Merlots are produced in Chile, Argentina, Canada, central Europe, North America, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Merlot is adored for its soft, sensual texture and approachable style. It’s typically a medium-acidity wine and dry, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on smoothness or sweet fruit flavors. Merlot is also relatively high in alcohol—between 13.5 and 15% ABV.

Merlot’s adaptability to most soils and climates means you’ll find different styles of wine depending on where it’s grown.

Merlot wines can range from medium-full-bodied, be soft and fruity or rich and oaky, and have medium to high tannins.

The most common flavors of Merlot wines are deep and rich—think plum, cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate, and heady spices like clove.

As Merlot ages in oak, it develops secondary flavors, such as vanilla and mocha, and its spice notes will strengthen. But to complement these secondary flavors and balance out the rich, fruity ones, Merlot also has green, leafy flavors like bay leaf.

Merlot is a famous wine for a reason—there’s a style for everyone.

Bordeaux remains the home of the most iconic Merlots, with the regions of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol producing benchmark single-variety wines and blends perfect for long-term aging. 

Elsewhere in Europe, Slovenia and Hungary offer full-bodied, complex Merlots, while a Chilean Merlot is a dry wine with rich dark fruit flavors, and northeastern Italy’s Friuli region is home to some rare, expensive bottlings made in a similar style to fine Bordeaux.

Merlots aged in oak barrels are more indulgent and warming with their baking spice and cedar flavors, so a Californian Merlot might be the one for you if that’s what you look for in red wine.

Because of its comprehensive flavor profile, Merlot is a fun wine to experiment with when pairing it with food.

Softer, fruitier Merlots with a higher acidity pair deliciously with peppery greens, fish like salmon, fatty meats like duck, and mushroom-based dishes, while Merlot wines with a lighter body make mouthwatering pairings for shellfish and pork dishes, and are delicious with bacon.

However, it’s best to avoid strong, spicy dishes when drinking a Merlot – the heat can make the wine taste bitter and tannic.

Merlot is a wine best served after it’s been allowed to breathe.

Decant Merlot 30 minutes before serving in an oversized wine glass, which allows the flavors to develop and the wine to reach its full potential.

Serve Merlot at room temperature (around 68° F) or very slightly chilled. You risk losing all its delicious aromas and velvety texture if it’s served colder than this.