What are the best Merlot wines?
There is no single best Merlot, because the right bottle depends on style, region and budget. Merlot is made widely, from Bordeaux's right bank (Pomerol, Saint-Émilion) to California, Washington State and Chile. For a softer, fruit-forward red, look at warmer regions; for a firmer, more savory one, look at Bordeaux.
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In this article
How do you pick a good Merlot?
Start with the style you want. Merlot is usually medium to full bodied, with soft tannins and flavors of plum, black cherry and sometimes chocolate or herbs. Warmer climates tend to give riper, darker-fruit wines; cooler climates tend to give more red-berry, savory ones. Alcohol often falls somewhere around 13 to 15% ABV, so check the label.
Which regions make good Merlot?
| Region | Typical style |
|---|---|
| Pomerol and Saint-Émilion (Bordeaux, France) | Merlot-led blends, structured and savory, often made for aging and often pricey |
| Napa Valley and Sonoma (California) | Often ripe and rich, with dark fruit |
| Washington State | Often dark fruit with fresh acidity |
| Chile | Often fruity and easy drinking; many bottles are priced modestly |
These are general tendencies. Style varies by producer and vintage.
What are some producers that make Merlot?
We do not rank bottles, and quality changes with every vintage. Well-known examples of wineries that make Merlot include Duckhorn (Napa Valley) and Columbia Crest (Washington State). Many other wineries in California, Washington and Chile also make it. Read the vintage and region on the label, then check recent reviews for that exact bottle.
What are common Merlot blends?
Merlot is one of the main grapes of Bordeaux, alongside Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, where it adds body and softness. On the right bank, Pomerol and Saint-Émilion use much more Merlot than the left bank does. In the US, a wine labeled with a single grape name generally has to contain at least 75% of that grape, so a bottle labeled Merlot can still include other grapes.
What is the sweetest Merlot, and what is the best year?
Most Merlot is made dry, so there is no truly sweet Merlot. A very ripe, high-alcohol Merlot can seem sweeter because of its fruit. There is no best year for all Merlot: vintages differ by region, so look up the vintage for the area you are buying from.
What wines are similar to Merlot?
Cabernet Franc (one of Merlot’s parent grapes), Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon are common next steps, and the last is usually firmer and bolder. If you want something lighter, try Pinot Noir. In Chile, Carménère is sometimes confused with Merlot but has more green pepper notes.
Serving tips
Serve at cool room temperature, a little below typical room temperature, and open young, inexpensive bottles 15 to 30 minutes before pouring. Merlot pairs well with roast chicken, mushroom dishes, pasta with tomato sauce and grilled meats. Very strong blue cheeses can overwhelm its fruit.
People also ask
What is a good Merlot for beginners?
A fruity, lower-tannin Merlot from California, Washington or Chile is an easy start. Pick a recent vintage in the price range you like and serve it slightly cool.
Is Merlot sweet or dry?
Merlot is normally dry. Ripe fruit flavors can make it seem sweet, but the wine itself usually has little or no residual sugar unless the label says otherwise.
What are good wines like Merlot?
Cabernet Franc and Malbec are close in style, Cabernet Sauvignon is bolder, and Pinot Noir is lighter.
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