Merlot has a long and distinguished history in the wine world and can be traced back to the first century in Southern France. The earliest mention of the Merlot grape was in 1784 by a Bordeaux official who described wine made from the Bordeaux Libournais region as one of the best. Dark and inky blue-black in colour, the name Merlot is thought to have derived from the French for blackbird (merle) both as a reference to it's colour and also possibly the fact that the blackbirds liked eating the Merlot grapes straight off the vine.

Merlot is one of the primary grapes used to produce red Bordeaux wines and it is here in Bordeaux where Merlot is considered to reach the peak of it's varietal expression; Red Bordeaux wines can include up to five different grape varieties; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. It is however Cabernet Sauvignon or alternatively Merlot, or a combination of the two, that make up the majority of Bordeaux blends. Merlot is know for it's soft textures and fleshy, generously fruity characteristics which help to to soften the more tannic and austere character of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, making for a perfect partnership!

Typically the Merlot dominated wines of Bordeaux are produced on the Right Bank of the Gironde River, in regions such as Pomerol and Saint Emilion where wines such as Chateau La Conseillante and Chateau Cheval Blanc are produced. Whereas Cabernet Sauvignon dominated wines are classically produced on the Left Bank of the Gironde in areas including Margaux and Saint Estephe. It's worth remembering that one of the most famous and eye-wateringly expensive wines of Bordeaux; Chateau Petrus, is entirely produced from Merlot!

Making up approximately two thirds of all grape plantings, Merlot is the most commonly grown grape in France, with new Merlot vineyards springing up more recently in the Languedoc Roussillon wine regions of Southern France. The popularity of Merlot however stretches well beyond France, from South Africa to Chile and from Australia to the USA and also Italy where Merlot is one of the major grapes used to produce Super Tuscans. In terms of viticulture Merlot is better suited to the cooler regions within countries and wine zones in order to prevent the grapes ripening too early.

Merlot is also incredibly versatile in terms of the style of wine it can produce; from medium bodied, fruity, easy to drink wines that are low in tannins and are designed to be consumed when young and lively, to more full bodied styles with greater levels of complexity and structure to finally full bodied, dense, powerful Merlot wines that can age for decades. Both European and New World styles of Merlot can vary from medium to heavy bodied wines and can display a spectrum of flavours.

Some typically delicious Merlot aromas and flavours to look out for include; Blackberry, blueberry, red and black cherries, damson, raspberry, plum, mulberry, violet, red liquorice, chocolate and coffee beans. Savoury notes such as leather, graphite, mushrooms, pepper and tobacco are also common as are herbal notes including oregano and rosemary and spices such as clove, anise and Incense. Oak ageing increases the nuances of cocoa and dark chocolate, brown sugar, treacle, vanilla, caramel, coffee, toasted nuts, hints of charcoal and smoke within the wine.

Some classic adjectives used to describe Merlot wines include; Opulent, decadent, round, voluptuous, feminine, luscious and even hedonistic! Merlot is no wine wallflower!

As a food wine Merlot is a real star catering for all manner of dishes; pairing effortlessly with casual everyday suppers such as pizza, pasta, meatier types of fish including tuna, white meat and also vegetable dishes that include mushrooms, aubergines and olives. Merlot is also a great barbecue wine as it pairs so well with chargrilled foods, heavier styles of Merlot make a wonderful match for robust red meat and vegetable dishes including beef and lamb. Dishes with fruit based sauces including cherry, cranberry or plum can also make excellent Merlot matches.

With so many types of Merlot to choose from we think all red wine lovers can find their perfect Merlot match..and have fun tasting along the way!

Cheers!