Merlot wine

Merlot is one of the world's most beloved red grapes, known for its soft, approachable character. This grape often serves as a counterpart to Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux blends, but it also shines solo in fruity, rounded wines. At Perfecte Wijn, you'll find Merlot in all styles: from classic Bordeaux to supple New World varieties.

What is Merlot?

Merlot is a blue grape from Bordeaux and likely owes its name to the French word merle (blackbird), a bird that loves ripe, dark grapes. The grape ripens earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon and produces wines with soft tannins, abundant fruit, and an accessible character. This has made Merlot one of the most popular grapes worldwide.

Origin and vineyards

Merlot's birthplace is Bordeaux, particularly on the Right Bank in appellations like Saint-Émilion and Pomerol . Here, the grape is grown on clay and limestone soils that provide structure and finesse. Beyond France, Merlot has spread to virtually every wine-producing country. In California and Chile, it produces full-bodied, ripe wines, while in Northern Italy and South Africa, fruity and supple styles often emerge.

Grape and style

Merlot produces wines with a deep ruby ​​red color, often slightly lighter and softer in hue than Cabernet Sauvignon . Young Merlot is bright red with purple nuances, while older wines turn garnet. The flavor is dominated by red and black fruits such as cherries, plums, and berries. Depending on the vinification process, Merlot can range from fruity and smooth to rich and powerful with notes of chocolate, coffee, and spices when aged in oak.

Storage and serving

Merlot is often drinkable from a young age, thanks to its soft tannins and round structure. Accessible styles typically age for three to five years, while top wines from Saint-Émilion or Pomerol can age for fifteen years or longer. Serve Merlot at 16 to 18 degrees Celsius and preferably open the bottle half an hour beforehand to allow the aromas to develop.

Buy Merlot at Perfectewijn.nl

At Perfecte Wijn, you'll find Merlot in every conceivable style: from smooth, fruity wines for everyday use to prestigious Bordeaux wines with excellent aging potential. This way, you're sure to find a Merlot that suits your taste or occasion.