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Merlot
Merlot is commonly used in Cabernet Sauvignon blends, as it is not very tannic and has a mid-palate weight, nicely contrasting the heavy tannin and doughnut-like palate structure of Cabernet Sauvignon. It also grows in similar conditions to Cabernet Sauvignon, thus making them perfect partners.
By itself, Merlot can produce rich, juicy, fruit-driven wines, but is also prone to over-cropping, which can led to dull wines. Vineyard location and maintenance is important in making the most of this variety.
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- Origin
- France
A soft, yet deceptively complex Merlot from the south of France. Fresh plum and cassis give way to a hint of violets on the finish. Read More -
- Origin
- France
- Languedoc-Roussilon
A deep garnet red hue with purple hints. The nose is complex anr rich with rosemary, blackcurrant and black cherry aromas. Full and smooth in the mout... Read More -
- Origin
- Southern France
- Languedoc-Roussillon
A bright and punchy Merlot with distinctive plum character and a velvety finish. Read More -
- Origin
- Australia
- Victoria
A seductive red with bundles of plummy fruit flavour. Open notes of raspberry jam and soft mild spice combine on a soft finish. Read More -
- Origin
- France
- Bordeaux
- Left Bank
- Saint-Emilion
The high Merlot content of this wine aids its soft and approachable character. Plummy fruit, with hints of darker berry are well balanced by supple ta... Read More -
- Origin
- France
- Bordeaux
- Left Bank
- Graves
A wine which shows beautiful balance between flavors and expressive aromas. Fine tannins coat the palate, highlighted on the finish by a persistent to... Read More -
- Origin
- France
- Bordeaux
- Left Bank
- Haut-Medoc
A classic blend from the region of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon. Soft purple hue with light aromas of cherries, blackcurrants and hints of vanilla. A lov... Read More -
- Origin
- France
- Bordeaux
- Left Bank
- Saint-Emilion
Good fruit on the nose of this fresh and generous Saint Emilion. Rich damson and cherry with notes of cedar and tobacco. The tannins on the palate are... Read More -
- Origin
- France
- Bordeaux
- Right Bank
- Pomerol
A soft wine with attractive berry fruits, smoky acidity and sweet juicy flavours. The tannins are well integrated with acidity pushing through. The fi... Read More -
- Origin
- France
- Bordeaux
- Right Bank
- Pomerol
In colour, this is deep purple-red, the aromas being open, very ripe and freshly complex. The wines, which exhibit a luscious structure, are delicate ... Read More -
- Origin
- Bordeaux
- France
Ripe fruit aromas, particularly cherry and plum. Elegant, fruity, supple mouth. Round tannins and a smooth finish. Read More -
- Origin
- Italy
- Northern
- Veneto
An intense bouquet of spice and ripe dark fruit leads onto a well-rounded palate with an rich, persistent finish. Read More -
- Origin
- New Zealand
- Hawkes Bay
A vibrant red from made from fruit from Hawkes Bay. Frgrant and livey aroma of plums and stewed fruits witha firm structure and sweet juicy finish. ... Read More -
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- Origin
- South Africa
- Stellenbosch
A well-made wine with sweet berry and dark chocolate notes. Rich and balanced with hints of soft prune and ripe plum. No sulphur was added to this win... Read More -
- Origin
- Bulgaria
- Thracian Lowlands
A velvety, soft and fruity Merlot with flavours of plummy fruit, red berries and hints of spices. Read More -
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- Origin
- France
- Bordeaux
- Left Bank
- Margaux
Wonderfully refined with detailed aromas of violets, dark chocolate, mocha and cassis. The texture is uniquely soft, silky and elegant whilst remainin... Read More -
- Origin
- France
- Bordeaux
- Left Bank
- Pauillac
Chateau Mouton Rothschild shows its elegance with their 2014 by producing a wine which will reward earlier drinking whilst still having many years of ... Read More -
- Origin
- France
- Bordeaux
- Left Bank
- Pauillac
Since the arrival of Philippe Dallhuin in 2003, Mouton has stepped up a level. Grapes are selected only from the heart of the original vineyard site. ... Read More -
- Origin
- France
- Bordeaux
- Left Bank
- Pauillac
2010 was a truly spectacular year at Mouton Rothschild with the Grand Vin being a gloriously concentrated nose of ripe blackcurrants and lusciously r... Read More -
- Origin
- France
- Bordeaux
- Left Bank
- Margaux
2008 was a superb vintage for Chateau Margaux and displays the estates trademark floraliy and cassis notes in abundance. A little more up front with d... Read More
Key Countries and Regions
Merlot is the backbone grape in many Bordeaux wines, and is the dominant grape in the blends of St-Emilion and Pomerol. It is the basic ingredient of some of the most sought-after wines in the world (those hailing from Chateux Petrus, Le Pin and Clinet). Merlot also plays a major role in the New World wines from America (California and Washington State), Chile, Italy (Tuscany), Australia (Margaret River) and New Zealand (Hawkes Bay).
Common Flavours and Ageing
The most prevalent flavours include fruits like cherry, black olive, mulberry and raspberry (even fruitcake); root vegetables like beetroot and rhubarb and natural flavours such as earth, violet and a leaf-like taste. The texture is juicy, velvety, rounded and smooth, being medium-bodied and well-balanced. It can be drunk when young due to its supple and plump character; at such an age, it is very deep in colour, often near-black with purple hints. As it ages, it becomes closer to a garnet-red, and the richer flavours of leather, caramel, bacon, truffle and coffee materialise.
