Merlot

Species: Vitis Vinifera
Parentage: Offspring of Cabernet Franc
Aliases: Picard, Langon
Grape Color: Black
Regions: Bourdeaux, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Chilean Central Valley, Australia


The Occitanian word “merlot” translates to “young blackbird.” An accurate description for this popular, early-budding red wine grape, which also happens to be a close cousin to Cabernet Sauvignon. Used for both blending and as a varietal, this grape originates from France’s Bordeaux region, and is a primary grape in Bordeaux wine.

Two thirds of the world’s total planted Merlot grapes are grown in France. After that, it is Italy’s 5th most planted grape. Merlot surged to popularity in the United States in the 1990s.

Contrary to its Vitis Vinifera sibling, Pinot Noir, Merlot grows in loose bunches of berries. It’s a fragile grape, and its early ripening qualities make it vulnerable to risks such as frost and rotting. That being said, Merlot wines tend to be Read more »

Mentor for Merlot Wines

Wisequeen Donna Jackson

Passionate wine enthusiast/writer/consultant.Specialist on Italy, where She has made her home and kingdom for the past decade. Travels extensively in Europe and New world,Portugal,Douro, South Africa,and in particular Bordeaux style wines, loves Dolcetto

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Popular Merlot wines

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Popular Regions for Merlot View all

  • France

    Perhaps no country evokes such strong associations with fine wine as does France. Its reputatio...

  • California

    Viticulture in California began in the 1700s as Spanish missionaries worked their way north fro...

  • Bordeaux

    Located around the Gironde estuary and along the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, Bordeaux is one o...

  • Sonoma County

      Wine-making in Sonoma, California began in 1812 when Russian colonists planted grapes at F...

  • Italy

    Wine in Italy is as much an integral part of everyday culture as love, family, cuisine and usin...

  • Chile

    Winemaking was first introduced to Chile by Spanish settlers in the 1500’s, but it wasn’t until...

  • Napa

      There is some debate over how this famous wine region got its name. Spanish settlers named...

  • Australia

    The history of wine-making in Australia dates back to the late 1700s when the first European se...

  • USA

    "American Wine" has existed since the first Europeans brought their vinous heritage and tradition...

Popular Wineries using Merlot

  • Château Timberlay

    Château Timberlay (appellation Bordeaux Supérieur) is located in Saint-Andre-de-Cubzac. It symbol...

  • Champagne Demoiselle Vranken

    Built on the hamlet of Les Demoiselles, the Château des Castaignes produces the DEMOISELLE vintag...

  • Arrogant Frog

    Arrogant Frog was born in the Herault Valley in Languedoc in the south of France, near the Medite...

  • Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes

    Patience, know-how, observation, intuition...these are the skills required to make and age our wi...

  • Château Paul Mas

    For over 170 years, González Byass has committed itself to research and quality for its range of ...

  • Château Clarke

    The origins of the Château Clarke estate date back to the 12th century when the Cistercian monks ...

Page 3 of 1,000

Merlot on Snooth

  • I was recently transferred to an office in Fremont, CA, which is like a prison ... ... that in the US), Cab and Merlot--a super-Iberian, plus two California wines made by a Portugese family.  EdWilley and I are big fans for Mourvedre, as JD noted.  The owner of the place was behind the counter, barking Portugese at the construction workers buy... Read More

    Forum post in the topic Iberian wine discovery!


  • Underrated vintage mostly because of the 1997s but outperforming many 1997s ... is still great, Pahlmeyer Merlot still great, Dunn, Corison, Beringer. &nbs Read More

    Forum post in the topic 1996 California Cabs


  • Who else is still drinking the 1996 California cabs?  I had yet another bottle on Memorial Day and loved it.  Altamura '96 was lovely. Previously I've loved the 1996 BV GdLatour.  As we know, 1997 amazed people but has largely faded early. Two questions:1. Which of the 2000s vintages will age like the 96s have done so gracefully?2. Which 1996s i... Read More

    Forum post in the topic 1996 California Cabs


  • Delightfully deep hue for a simple table red. As dark as a James M. Cain novel, ... novel, ... Is it a Zin? A Merlot? Or do I detect a discreet Syrah? Sip the mystery for under 10 bucks and decide for yourself.Delightfully deep hue for a simple table red. As dark as a James M. Cain novel, this wine might just be equally as schizophrenic. Is it... Read More

    Forum post in the topic Whatcha drinking tonight-...


  • Chateau Garderose Lalande de Pomerol 2006

    Snoothrank:

    Extremely rich. Reminded me of dark chocolate. Slightly smokey flavor. Delicious. Read More

    Wine review by calywa


  • Sebastiani Merlot 2007

    Snoothrank:

    Really pretty merlot. Smooth drinking, nice cherry and berry favors. A little bit of smooth oak. Drinks nicely after a short decant. Read More

    Wine review by mrsrhampton


  • Quail Creek 2011 California Merlot 2011

    Snoothrank:

    Deep ruby red with purplish edge, dusty dark plum aromas, sweet prune and red berry flavors, slight tannins, pleasant midlength finish. Read More

    Wine review by Kovas 50 States Of Wine


  • Finca Flichman Red Bordeaux Blend Paisaje de Tupungato 2009

    Snoothrank:

    Spicy aroma, smoky entry followed by deep plums, raisins and a nice trigger of tannins. Taste lays and finishes well on the upper palate. Read More

    Wine review by jamessulis


  • Merlot Hawkes Bay Oyster Bay 2007

    Snoothrank:

    Ok, but would not buy again. Not really worth the money. Read More

    Wine review by calywa


  • Mill Creek Vineyards Merlot Dry Creek Valley 2006

    Snoothrank:

    ruby red color....notes of plum, blackberry, cherry smooth mouthfeel with great acidity.... Read More

    Wine review by mikespeer


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