Merlot is one of the world's most cultivated red wine grapes — and often the first red wine people really fall for. The grape's soft tannin, juicy plum fruit and approachable character make it the perfect entry point to the world of red wine.
You have probably drunk Merlot many times without knowing it. Wine from Saint-Émilion and Pomerol in Bordeaux — two of the world's most admired wine regions — are primarily based on Merlot. And Petrus, one of the world's most expensive wines, is made almost exclusively from Merlot.
In short: Merlot produces soft, fruity red wines with plum, cherry and light chocolate. Lower tannin than Cabernet Sauvignon makes it easy to drink and easy to pair with food.
How Merlot tastes
Merlot is characterized by its soft, velvety texture and its luscious fruit core. It is a wine that is pleasant to drink already young, but which with time in the bottle develops further complexity.
- Dark fruit — plum, dark cherry, blackberry
- Chocolate and coffee — especially in warm, sunny vintages
- Spices — vanilla and oak in barrel-aged versions
- Herbs — light licorice and green notes in cooler vintages
- Soft tannin — the most characteristic feature: round and silky smooth in the mouth
Flavor profile
Merlot vs. Cabernet Sauvignon
The two grapes grow side by side in Bordeaux and are often blended in wines from the region. But they are very different in style:
Merlot
- Soft, velvety tannin
- Dark plum and cherry
- Ready to drink early
- More approachable
- Dominates in Saint-Émilion
Cabernet Sauvignon
- Firm, structured tannin
- Blackcurrant and cedar
- Requires aging
- More powerful and tannic
- Dominates in Médoc
The best Merlot regions
What food pairs with Merlot?
Merlot's soft tannin and moderate acidity make it a versatile food wine that pairs with many different dishes:
- Beef — steak, burger, stew and roast beef. See our guide to wine for grilled food.
- Lamb — especially lamb dishes with tomato sauce or herbs. See guide to wine for leg of lamb.
- Pasta with meat sauce — bolognese and lasagne are classic matches
- Pizza — a fruity Merlot is the perfect pizza wine
- Hard cheese — Cheddar, Manchego and aged Gouda
- Mushroom dishes — mushroom risotto and Merlot is a wonderful pair
Serving temperature: Serve Merlot at 16-18°C. If taken from a warmer cellar, it can beneficially be placed in the refrigerator 15 minutes before serving to reach the ideal temperature.
What does a good Merlot cost?
Merlot is fortunately a grape that delivers excellent quality in all price ranges. A good Chilean or Californian Merlot for 80-150 kr is an excellent everyday wine. If you want to experience the great complexity, a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru for 250-500 kr is a beautiful step up. The very best wines from Pomerol and Premier Grand Cru Classé from Saint-Émilion cost from 800 kr and up.
Frequently asked questions
What does Merlot taste like?
Merlot produces soft, round red wines with soft plum and cherry, chocolate and vanilla from barrel aging. Compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, the tannins are softer and the wine more approachable at a young age.
What is the difference between Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon?
Merlot is softer, fruitier and more accessible than Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot has lower tannins and typically doesn't require long aeration. Cabernet is more structured, tannic and age-worthy. In Bordeaux they are often blended to utilize both grapes.
What food pairs with Merlot?
Merlot's soft tannins make it versatile with food. It pairs well with beef and steak, leg of lamb, pork and mushroom dishes. It is also excellent with pasta with meat sauce and with cheeses like Brie and Camembert.
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