Sensium

Merlot

Red wine grape variety

Merlot — red wine grape variety with signature aromas of plum, black cherry, chocolate. Structural profile: Medium(+) body, Medium acidity, Medium tannin, Medium alcohol. Sensium blind-tasting coach reference.

Structural pillars

AcidityMedium
TanninMedium
BodyMedium(+)
AlcoholMedium
Color intensityMedium
Aromatic intensityMedium

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

plumblack cherrychocolate

Common

cedarvioletmocha

Occasional

bay leaf

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
  • Style examples: Right Bank Bordeaux · Napa Valley Merlot

Common questions

Is Merlot a red or white grape variety?
Merlot is a red wine grape variety. Sensium documents its structure, aromas, and confusion signals for blind tasting.
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 is Merlot most often confused with in blind tasting?
Merlot is most commonly confused with Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Malbec. Sensium's Compare view leads with the decisive cues that resolve each call.
Where is Merlot grown?
Classic regions for Merlot include Pomerol, Saint-Emilion, Ticino and Napa Valley.

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