Merlot
ReferenceBordeaux, Tuscany, California
ABV13-15% — medium-bodied red wine
Sub-styles
Bordeaux BlendPomerolRight Bank
Tasting Notes
Plum, cherry, chocolate, coffee, herbs, violet, graphite, velvet tannin. Merlot's signature is softness — the tannins should feel like suede, not sandpaper. If it's harsh, it's Cab pretending to be Merlot.
Brand Guide
Well
Columbia Crest ($10-14)
Call
Duckhorn ($35-45)
Premium
Château Clinet Pomerol ($60-80)
Top Shelf
Château Pétrus ($2,500+)
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The Story
Bordeaux's velvet grape, built for blending and beloved for its plush, forgiving character in both bottle and vermouth cask.