Merlot
Red wine grape variety
Also known as Merlot Noir
Merlot is a red wine grape with signature aromas of plum, black cherry, chocolate. Structure: Medium(+) body, Medium acidity, Medium tannin, Medium alcohol. Often confused with Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese.
Recognition cues
First checks
- Check whether tannin is polished rather than aggressive.
- Look for plum and black-cherry fruit over cassis and pyrazine.
Confidence signals
- Rounded tannin texture
- Plum and cocoa pairing
Aromas
Signature
Common
Occasional
Commonly confused with
Classic anchors
- Classic regions: Pomerol · Saint-Emilion · Ticino · Napa Valley
- Classic styles: Plush right-bank blend component · Rounded oak-aged varietal red
Common questions
Is Merlot a red or white grape variety?
Merlot is a red wine grape variety.
What does Merlot smell and taste like?
Signature aromas of Merlot include plum, black cherry and chocolate. Structural profile: Medium(+) body, Medium acidity, Medium tannin, Medium alcohol.
What blind-tasting cues distinguish Merlot?
Documented tells for Merlot: Check whether tannin is polished rather than aggressive. and Look for plum and black-cherry fruit over cassis and pyrazine..
What is Merlot most often confused with in blind tasting?
Merlot is most commonly confused with Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Malbec. Resolve the call with structure and signature aromas.
Where is Merlot grown?
Classic regions for Merlot include Pomerol, Saint-Emilion, Ticino and Napa Valley.