Merlot

Merlot red wine is made from the Merlot grape that originally gained its popularity from the varieties grown in the Bordeaux region in France. However, plenty of fantastic bottles of Merlot are being produced in Australia, New Zealand and other regions around the world, and each region and even vineyard will have its own characteristic style.

If you really want to gain an appreciation for Merlot, try a few bottles from different regions and vineyards. While it's typically a considered a heavier read, the flavours are normally smooth and fruity. Merlot is often recommended for those new to red wine, but that doesn't mean the red wine drinkers don't keep Merlot reserved as one of their favourites.

Merlot is known to work well with a broad spectrum of meals, so if you are planning to pick up a bottle on the way to a dinner party but aren't sure what's on the menu, a Merlot is a safe choice of red wine. Don't worry too much about mixing white meats like chicken and fish with this delicious red wine, these days it's acceptable to swill this wine with almost all types of cuisine as long as the flavour doesn't overpower the cuisine or occasion.

Expect velvety textures and flavours that can vary from blackberries, cherries, plums, vanilla and other spices. This red wine has the characteristics you would expect of a medium to full-bodied wine with the lighter and fruitier flavours that appeal to those who normally prefer whites or sweeter flavours. Most normal to mid-range bottles are best consumed immediately, or within 5-6 years of vintage at the max. A high-end bottle can age for a decade or more.

Because of its fruity characteristics, Merlot grapes are often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to soften the flavour.

Find Merlot here at wine.com.au, or continue our easy red wine tasting guide with varieties such as Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Wine.com.au - your place for Merlot.