Grape · Bordeaux, France
Merlot
mair-LOH
Plush, early, essential
Merlot is the flesh on Cabernet's bones — earlier ripening, rounder tannin, plum and chocolate rather than cassis and cedar.
- plum
- black cherry
- chocolate
- bay leaf
- violet
Profile
On Bordeaux's Right Bank — Pomerol, Saint-Émilion — Merlot is the star, sometimes 100% of the blend. It likes clay and a little less heat than Cabernet. When ripe it is generous; when underripe it tastes herbal and hollow.
The grape's reputation suffered a pop-culture decade, which was a gift to anyone still buying it. Serious Merlot from Pomerol, Bolgheri, or Napa's cooler benches is among the most complete red wines in the world.
Drink it a little cooler than Cabernet. It loves roast pork, duck, and mushroom dishes as much as steak.
At the table
Service
59–63 °F (15–17 °C). Brief decant for structured Right Bank bottles.
