Merlot
Plum, black cherry, chocolate.
Plush and soft, with ripe plum and none of cabernet’s edge. The easy-going red.
What Merlot tastes like
Plum, black cherry, chocolate. Body: medium. Tannin: low. Acidity: medium.
Where Merlot comes from
Merlot comes from Bordeaux, where it dominates the right bank wines of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. It is grown across Australia, including the Barossa Valley, Coonawarra and Margaret River.
Styles to look for
On its own, merlot is soft and plummy. It is also the classic blending partner for cabernet sauvignon, rounding out its firm tannin.
Food it suits
Roast chicken, pork, mushroom pasta, meatballs and soft cheeses.
How to serve it
Serve slightly below room temperature, around 14 to 18°C. Lighter reds sit at the cooler end, fuller reds at the warmer end.
Worth knowing
Merlot is the most planted grape in Bordeaux, ahead of cabernet sauvignon.
Check the menu at your venue
Wine lists change with the season and the supplier, and each venue pours its own. Check the menu before you go, or ask your waiter what is open by the glass.
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Frequently asked
What does Merlot taste like?
Plum, black cherry, chocolate. Body: medium. Tannin: low. Acidity: medium.
Where does Merlot come from?
Merlot comes from Bordeaux, where it dominates the right bank wines of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. It is grown across Australia, including the Barossa Valley, Coonawarra and Margaret River.
What food goes with
Roast chicken, pork, mushroom pasta, meatballs and soft cheeses.
How should Merlot be served?
Serve slightly below room temperature, around 14 to 18°C. Lighter reds sit at the cooler end, fuller reds at the warmer end.
