Any beginner to wine who dreams of becoming a connoisseur one day usually gets the same suggestion: try a Merlot. And why not? Merlot is the Golden Retriever of wine — super friendly, easily approachable, and a truly reliable instant best friend. Also quite soft.
Humble Origins
Merlot, which translates to “little blackbird” in French, got its first starring role as a blending component in Bordeaux during the mid-1700s. From there, its popularity launched into orbit. In particular, Merlot solidified its reputation as a key component in Bordeaux wines by 1784, especially on the Right Bank.
It took several more decades to gain attention outside Bordeaux. Since those early days, however, Merlot has become the second most planted grape in the world, according to a survey conducted in 2010. It is one of the most popular grapes in America, arriving in California in the mid-1900s. Farmers appreciated that it was easy to grow, and consumers loved that it was easy to drink. Merlot even boasts its own holiday on November 7, christened International Merlot Day.
Where It Grows
The first official planting of Merlot vines in America occurred at Louis M. Martini Winery in Napa Valley. Mr. Martini could not have known the explosive demand that would follow. He released a multi-vintage blend in 1972, and the public demanded more — much more.
In 1970, just 268 acres of Merlot were planted. By 1980, that number had jumped to 2,667 acres, and today there are an estimated 40,000-plus acres in California. While Merlot thrives in California, several other states also produce excellent examples. Washington, in particular, delivers some showstopping expressions of the varietal, often closer in style to Bordeaux thanks to its slightly cooler climate and diverse soil types.
France still claims the most Merlot, with approximately 280,000 acres across the Bordeaux and Languedoc-Roussillon regions. Italy boasts roughly 93,000 acres in Toscana and Campania. Argentina, Chile, Australia, and the United States each feature between 13,000 and 55,000 acres. Combined, Merlot remains one of the most widely planted grapes in the world.
It’s important to note that although California is the largest producer of U.S. Merlot, a period of overplanting led to a decline in quality. This resulted in many watery, uninspiring, and forgettable wines. Then came the “Sideways effect,” which put a serious dent in sales after the character Miles famously declared, “I’m not drinking any more f***ing Merlot!”
In the Glass
Cool Climate, Old World Style
Flavor profiles shift considerably depending on where Merlot is grown. Cool-climate, or “Old World,” Merlot is often more savory and earthy, with slightly more pronounced tannins. These wines tend to show tart red fruit, a touch of rustic character, brighter acidity, and alcohol levels hovering around 13 percent.
Warm Climate, New World Style
In contrast, New World Merlots from the U.S., Australia, and Argentina lean toward ripe, fruit-forward flavors. Dark blackberry, plum, and ripe raspberry take center stage, supported by smoother tannins and lower acidity. These wines typically have higher alcohol levels, often above 14 percent.
Flavors & Aromas
In the glass, Merlot is known for its soft, ripe, and elegant profile, low tannins, and smooth finish. Its popularity stems from how easy it is to drink — whether on its own or paired thoughtfully with food. Deep red in color, most Merlots feature base flavors of plum and cherry, with the occasional hint of chocolate.
Blueberry, raspberry, and blackberry notes, along with rich jammy flavors, are common in wines made from well-ripened grapes. The region and terrain where Merlot is grown play a significant role in shaping these characteristics. For example, bolder flavors are often found in Old World vineyards and hillside plantings worldwide. Hillside sites produce smaller grapes, resulting in more concentrated flavors. This versatility makes Merlot a staple at both lunch and dinner tables, thanks to its ease of pairing.
Food Pairings
The list of dishes Merlot doesn’t pair well with is probably shorter than the list of what it does complement. In general, it’s best to avoid very spicy dishes or plates heavy on leafy greens. Merlot shines alongside meat-based dishes such as lamb, veal, and hearty stews. It also pairs beautifully with mushrooms, chicken, pork, and a wide range of cheeses.
Not sure where to start? For a comforting, satisfying meal, try a country chicken and vegetable pie. Veal chops with a mustard-sage crust are another decadent option — guaranteed to be divine with a good glass of Merlot.
