Merlot Wine

Learn more about Merlot Wine, one of the most popular types of red wine in the world. This section includes information on how to serve, food pairing tips and recommendations.

You’ll find information on the following topics:

History
Merlot wine is one of the most popular and well known types of red wine in the world. It's also one of the most planted grapes worldwide.

The red wine type is another famous grape and it’s linked to both Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc is reported as one of the parents of Merlot. This makes Cabernet Sauvignon one of its siblings. The second parent of this type of red wine is unknown, so it’s only partially related to Cabernet Sauvignon.

California and US Merlot Wine Popularity and History
Its popularity in the US increased in the early 1990s. At the time, California wineries were having a hard time keeping up with demand. The problem was that Merlot was not a widely grown grape at the time.

While California struggled with quantity, it also began to struggle with quality. The California Merlot vineyards were hit with Phylloxera in the mid-1990s.

Phyloxera is an insect that destroys grape vines. It damages the roots of the vine, so the plant can no longer soak up water and nutrients from the soil.

The wineries worked hard to plant more vines. In the short term, they also began to over water their surviving grapes to try to keep up with demand.

They were finally able to catch up in the early 2000s. At that time, both the supply and the quality increased. The US red wine drinkers responded and demand of this type of red wine continued to increase.

Tasting Notes: Flavors, Density and More
Merlot is a medium and full bodied wine. You will taste flavors berry flavors including cherries, plums and blackberries. You’ll also get hints of chocolate and vanilla in Merlot wine.

Wine Regions
Merlot wine is grown in almost every major wine region in the world.

France is well known for its Merlot and it is more widely grown in France than in the US. France produces high quality Merlot wine.

The famous Bordeaux Blend wines are also from France. They usually include a red wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

Merlot is grown throughout Italy. It’s currently growing in about three quarters of its twenty wine regions.

It is also very popular and widely grown in Australian wineries. They planted it in a number of wineries starting in the 1990s.

This type of red wine is very important in Chile, where it’s one of their major exports. Other South American counties that grow it are Uruguay, Brazil and Bolivia.

Hungry, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Spain and many other locations around the world are also taking part on the Merlot wine craze.

Serving Tips
One of the great things about this type of red wine is that it is drinkable at an early age. Wine lovers like to drink it right away. Although it also becomes more complex as it ages.

The best serving temperature for Merlot wine is around 65°.

Food Pairing Ideas
Merlot is another wine that goes well with a variety of foods.

Pair medium bodied Merlots with tuna or salmon. Heavier Merlots go well with red meats including steak. It also goes well with lamb or roast duck.

Casual meals such as vegetable pizza and burgers also work well with Merlot.

Pair this red wine with soft-ripening cheeses.

Merlot Recommendations
There are a number of great Napa Valley and Sonoma County Merlot wines. Here are just some of my recommendations:

This red wine is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. It includes hints of raspberry, cherry and plums. You’ll also taste hints of vanilla. This is one of my favorite Merlots since it’s a high quality red wine for the price.

Winery: Raymond Vineyards in Napa Valley

Additional Tasting Notes: Hints of coffee and black pepper are also present.

Estimated Price: Reserve - $24

This is a full bodied Merlot. It’s another one of my favorites and I highly recommend you try it. It includes hints of plum and black cherries. It also has a little bit of an oaky taste.

Winery: Merryvale Vineyards in Napa Valley

Additional Tasting Notes: Hints of mocha and roasted sage

Estimated Price: $26 - $35

Gallo is a larger winery with a number of great brands. Ghost Pines is just one of their labels. The grapes for this wine are 60% from Napa Valley and 40% from Sonoma. It’s a red wine blend with all Merlot grapes.

Winery: Gallo Winery - Ghost Pines Label in Napa Valley

Additional Tasting Notes: Hints of blackberry and red jam.

Estimated Price: $23

The 2005 Hanna Merlot is from Hanna Winery’s Alexander Valley vineyard. This red wine has a rich flavor and is about 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Winery: Hanna Alexander Valley Merlot Alexander Valley in Sonoma County

Additional Tasting Notes: Hints of raspberries and other fruits

Estimated Price: $28

*Prices are estimates and may change at any time.