A close cousin of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot is one of the five primary Bordeaux varietals along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. The most planted grape in Bordeaux, its traditional role is to add body and softness to the blends from this region. In Languedoc-Roussillon it is often made as a varietal Vin de Pays wine, while in St. Emilion and Pomerol, Merlot has the starring role and is the basis for these wines.
Merlot likes rocky, arid ground, but can also be grown in clay based soil and in damp, cool climates. Its versatility makes it one of the most widely planted grape varietals with fame also in Italy, Chile, and the United States. But it is not without its flaws. The vines bud and flower early making it susceptible to frost, rain and early heatwaves in the Spring. This relatively thin skinned grape is also somewhat prone to rot.
Domestically, Merlot creates a variety of flavor profiles from very simple fruity wines, to more robust Cabernet like wines with heavy body and tannic structure. Flavors of dark berries, cherries, and plums are prevelent with vegetal and earthy notes of leather, mushrooms, and tobacco. The wines may also contain herbal notes of tea, mint, sage and oregano, to name a few. When aged for a significant amount of time in oak, the wine will impart notes of chocolate, vanilla, smoke, and mocha. Merlot is used frequently as a blending grape worldwide and is not a varietal to be overlooked. Although it has gained a reputation for being watered down in past years, wineries have responded and are producing more wines with body and substance that are wonderful examples of the varietal.
The Wine List Recommends these fine Merlots
Santa Ema Merlot This Chilean Merlot is a deep violet ruby red color. Prevelent vanilla notes on the nose are one of this wines many highlights! This is a very fruity wine with aromas of plums, blackberries, and black currant, accompanied by intense notes of caramel, chocolate, and vanilla, leading to the palate of soft, ripe tannins that lend good structure and balance.
Twenty Rows Merlot
“Bright blueberries and spice dominate the nose. The palate opens with fresh, ripe black fruits and minerals with smoky, dark chocolate notes and an edge of allspice. The tannins are soft, round and approachable, making this an early drinking wine with fine inner mouth complexity and aromatic intrigue.”
Star Lane Merlot
This Merlot features stunning balance, marked by subtle olive and tobacco notes in addition to plummy and black cherry fruit. Refined tannins and vibrant acidity suggest both near term consumption and aging for up to 7 years. 92 points – The Wine Enthusiast.
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