| Merlot is a very well known grape in the wine | | | | alternative to a Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend, |
| world and this is largely due to its role as a key | | | | while in Hungary it is used to blend with three |
| blending buddy in wines from Bordeaux in France. | | | | Hungarian grapes to make “Bull’s |
| However, the reputation that it has gained for | | | | Blood”. It may not sound very appealing but is |
| producing some of the most prestigious and | | | | actually one of Hungary’s most famous wines. |
| expensive wines on the planet (such as Margaux | | | | Star Performer |
| and Paulliac), arguably has overshadowed its use | | | | Despite Merlot’s great blending properties, the |
| elsewhere. In this article, we demonstrate that | | | | grape shouldn’t be overlooked in its own right. |
| Merlot is more than just a great blending partner | | | | Merlot, when bottled solo, displays some |
| and that it also has a really important role in its | | | | wonderfully soft cherry and plum tones, with |
| own right. | | | | delicious, sometimes, chocolaty hints. Often |
| Blending Buddy | | | | winemakers like to age Merlot in oak, to give it |
| Merlot is one of the three key grapes along with | | | | more depth and this adds flavours of smoke and |
| Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon used to | | | | wood to the wine. Merlot is a relatively light bodied |
| make the world famous and highly sought after | | | | wine when produced on its own, although when |
| wines from Bordeaux. Merlot’s role is vitally | | | | grown in warmer climates the flavours maybe |
| important as it is used to soften and balance the, | | | | darker and deeper. Merlot is a great wine to drink |
| sometimes, harsh properties of the other two | | | | on its own or on a summer’s afternoon as it |
| grapes. The degree to which the Merlot is used | | | | won’t normally be overpowering like some of |
| varies according to the location in which it is | | | | the more tannic red wines, such as Shiraz or |
| grown. However, Merlot is typically the dominant | | | | Cabernet Sauvignon. It can also be a good food |
| grape in wines from the right bank of Bordeaux, | | | | wine, with lighter versions matching well with |
| east of the | | | | lighter dishes such as pasta and pizza and heavier |
| Gironde and Dordogne rivers. | | | | versions going well with richer and meat based |
| But it is not just Bordeaux where Merlot’s | | | | dishes. |
| talents are evident. Following in the footsteps of | | | | New World countries including Australia, Chile and |
| the French, winemakers from a number of other | | | | Argentina are good places to look if you fancy |
| countries, particularly those in the New World, | | | | tasting Merlot in its own right – you will |
| have been experimenting with Bordeaux | | | | generally get a good value, great tasting wine with |
| alternatives more recently and to great success. | | | | lots of depth and character. But don’t forget |
| Chile, South Africa, Argentina, Australia and | | | | to look to France, Spain and Italy too. Merlot from |
| California have all been producing Merlot-Cabernet | | | | these countries are generally subtler, but still with |
| Sauvignon blends and often at a fraction of the | | | | lots of great taste. |
| price of their Bordeaux counterparts. | | | | Merlot is loved by winemakers and winedrinkers |
| While it might be its favourite blending buddy, | | | | alike and hopefully this article has demonstrated |
| Merlot is not always used with Cabernet | | | | that, although Merlot will probably always be most |
| Sauvignon however. In Italy, Merlot is sometimes | | | | well known for its blending abilities, it is a great |
| used to blend with Sangiovese to make a tasty | | | | little number when produced on its own. |