Merlot wine: the most notable brands of 2025
Merlot wine accounts for more than 60% of Bordeaux’s vineyards and is among the world’s most iconic red grape varieties. Its wines are smooth, approachable and perfect at the table. Get ready to discover Merlot wine: origins, great brand and producers, interesting facts and ideal pairings.
By
Last updated:
The 10 best rated Merlot wine bottles
To get your Merlot experience off to a good start, our experts have selected these 10 best Merlot wines with different vintages and characteristics. For each bottle you can find tasting notes and aromas that make Merlot so special.
Merlot wine taste at a glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Grape Variety | 100% Merlot |
| Origin | Bordeaux, France |
| Serving Temperature | 60-65°F |
| Decanting | Recommended: 30 minutes to 1 hour (especially for younger wines) |
| Aging Potential | 3-15 years (varies by region and producers) |
| Flavor Profile | Red fruits (cherry, plum, raspberry), chocolate, vanilla, herbs, mild spice |
| Structure | Medium to full bodied, soft tannins, smooth texture |
| Alcohol Content | 13% to 15% |
| Ideal Glass | Large Bordeaux or tulip-shaped glass |
| Food Pairing | Roast meats, grilled vegetables, soft cheese, pasta dishes |
| Top Regions | France: Pomerol, Saint-Émilion, Lalande-de-Pomerol (Bordeaux) Italy: Bolgheri (Tuscany); Collio (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) California: Napa Valley, Sonoma County |
| Notable Producers | Château Pétrus, Château Margaux, Duckhorn Vineyards, Marchesi Antinori, Masseto |
What is Merlot wine and how is it made?
Let’s take a deeper look and find out what is Merlot wine and why it’s so famous. Here are the main qualities that place Merlot among the most loved wines:
- A balanced structure, perfect between light and full bodied
- A medium-low wine acidity, which contributes to its smooth, rounded mouthfeel.
- Moderate Merlot wine sugar content, which helps keep the wine approachable
- A typical Merlot ABV around 13-15%
As for production methods, Merlot generally follows the same process as other red wines, which includes:
- Harvest
- Crushing and destemming
- Fermentation with the skins
- Maceration
After that, Merlot wine is commonly aged in either oak barrels to add depth, spice and softness, or in stainless steel tanks to preserve its fresh fruit character and purity.
Merlot wine grapes: the pillar of Bordeaux wines
Merlot wine grapes are some of the most popular in the world, right up there with Cabernet Sauvignon. Most of the Merlot vineyards are in Bordeaux, France: about two-thirds of them! However, you can also find great Merlot growing in Italy (Tuscany, Friuli-Venezia Giulia), the U.S. (California) and Spain.
These grapes can produce different types of Merlot wine, each with its own unique characteristics and production methods:
- Merlot red wine: the traditional, smooth, and fruity classic.
- Rosé Merlot: light, fresh, and perfect for warmer days.
- White Merlot wine: crisp and juicy, made with less skin contact.
- Merlot blends: combined with other grapes to add complexity.
- Organic Merlot wine: crafted from grapes grown without pesticides or synthetic additives, for a more natural and eco-friendly experience.
And if you like things a bit sweeter, don’t miss out on Merlot wine sweet options. They are great for those who want a soft, fruity taste that is easy to enjoy!
Merlot non alcoholic wine: a toast without the ABV
In recent years, more people have shown interest in non-alcoholic wines. As a result, several wineries have expanded their offerings with Merlot non alcoholic wine.
Traditionally, Merlot wine alcohol content ranges from 13% to 15%, but thanks to dealcoholization processes such as low-temperature distillation, it is now possible to enjoy the rich flavors of Merlot without worrying about the effects of alcohol.
Discover our favorite alcohol free Merlot pick:
100% Merlot 0% Alcool by Cascina Belmonte
Merlot wine’s most celebrated brands
The fame of Merlot wine brands often comes from the prestige of the wineries that produce them. If your goal is to experience Merlot in all its prime, your choice can only be Château Cheval Blanc, a true icon of elegance and depth. Among its notable vintages, many of his bottles have received top scores: 100 points from James Suckling and Robert Parker, two of the most influential wine critics worldwide!
Below you can find handpicked selection of 5 investment-worthy good Merlot wine brands:
Year: 1990
Tasting notes: Sweet black fruits, fig and plum, new saddle leather, mint, and incense
Year: 1996
Tasting notes: Black cherry, plum, and cassis, with hints of cedar, leather, dried herbs, and graphite.
Year: 2016
Tasting notes: Aroma of ripe dark fruit blends with subtle cocoa notes spices
Year: 2010
Tasting notes: Ripe berry fruit with hints of pepper, spice, and vanilla
Year: 2017
Tasting notes: Black and red fruit, fig and iron-rich earthy notes
Merlot wine price: the value behind the bottles
Merlot is one of the world’s best known and most popular wines, and luckily, this popularity translates into a wide range of options for all budgets. The Merlot wine price can vary significantly, depending on a few important elements:
- Vintage: older or highly rated years can raise the price
- Producer reputation: prestigious wineries often mean higher value
- Region: Merlot from renowned areas may cost more
- Production & aging: longer aging or refined techniques can influence price
- Edition & style: limited releases or complex blends often come at a premium pricing
- High scores: 95/100 points from top critics can significantly drive up the cost of Merlot wine
Here is a list of Merlot wines with different price ranges:
-
1. Cakebread Merlot 2021 ABV 14.3%
Tasting notes: Lush dark fruit, sweet oak, and a hint of dark chocolate
Entry-Level Merlot
From: $60-100
-
2. Tua Rita Redigaffi 2020 ABV 15.5%
Tasting notes: Dark fruit, chocolate, vanilla, cedar, and subtle white pepper
Mid-Tier Merlot
From: $200-400
-
3. Ornellaia Masseto 2009 ABV 23.5%
Tasting notes: Black fruit layered with spice, chocolate, and floral notes
Single-Vineyard
From: $500-1000
-
4. Masseto 2014 ABV 14.5%
Tasting notes: Hints of red berries, sweet spices, and a slight aroma of toasted wood
Prestige / Collector Bottles
From: $2000-9000
3 prestigious Merlot bottles for collectors
It is common to come across bottles of exceptional value, which become true collector’s treasures. Several factors contribute to making a Merlot wine so rare and sought-after:
- The quality of the terroir of origin
- The reputation of the producing winery
- The capacity for aging
Fun fact: one of the most expensive Merlot wines on the market is Ornellaia Masseto 2000, with a price hovering around $28,000! Produced in limited quantities, it is often called the “Italian Petrus” for its exceptional quality. For those who may not know, Petrus is considered one of the most famous and expensive Merlot wines in the world.
If you are curious about some of the top Merlot wines, take a look at the top 3 picks from our experts:
Merlot wine vintage chart: tracking quality year by year
The vintage year of a wine tells the story of its harvest: how much sun, rain, and warmth the grapes received. These climate conditions can change the wine’s taste, texture, and ability to age.
Merlot is a flexible and resilient grape that grows well in many environments, but it shows its best side in places with a balanced mix of warm and cool weather. While many wine Merlot options are enjoyable when young, some of the best Merlot wine vintage years produce bottles with impressive depth and aging potential.
Discover below the Merlot wine vintage chart that truly made history:
| Vintage | Recommended Merlot | Vintage Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Vigneto Fontanazza Pissotta Langhe Merlot 2016 – Roberto Voerzio | A standout year for Merlot: complex, refined, and full of aging potential |
| 2012 | Messorio 2012 – Le Macchiole | A more approachable vintage with soft tannins and ripe fruit, ideal for drinking now |
| 2000 | Redigaffi 2000 – Tua Rita | A highly praised vintage with balanced, structured Merlots built for long aging |
| 1998 | Château La Fleur de Gay 1990 – Château La Fleur de Gay | One of the best Merlot years, especially in Pomerol, offering elegance and ripe concentration |
| 1990 | Merlot 1990 – Gundlach Bundschu | A legendary vintage with rich, velvety Merlot that still shine after more than 30 years |
4 tips for new Merlot drinkers
Merlot is versatile and rarely overwhelming, making it an ideal introduction to the world of red wines. With a few simple tips, you will enjoy its flavors and learn what makes each bottle special.
Here’s how to get the most from your first Merlot experience:
- Serve slightly cool (60-65°F) to highlight its fruitiness and softness
- Decant young Merlot for about 30 minutes to open up the aroma
- Pair with food like chicken, pasta or mild cheeses for a smooth taste
- Choose easy-to-understand bottles with clear labels and tasting notes
| Merlot Style | Our Recommendation | Best to Pair with |
|---|---|---|
| Young Merlot (under 5 yrs) | Palazzi 2022 – Tenuta di Trinoro | Grilled or roasted chicken and turkey, lightly spiced dishes or Mediterranean cuisine |
| Aged Merlot (10+ yrs) | Reserve Merlot 2003 – Rutherford Hill Winery | Roasted or braised red meats, aged but not overly strong cheeses |
Merlot wine glass: pick the right one
Every wine deserves its own perfect glass! For classic red Merlot, choosing a glass that enhances its fruity aromas and smoothness is crucial. The ideal Merlot wine glass has a large, rounded bowl with a slightly tapered rim. That allows the wine to breathe and enhances its fruity notes and smooth tannins.
To avoid mistakes, here’s a table featuring the best wine glass Merlot options for enjoying your bottle!
| Merlot Wine Glasses | Details |
|---|---|
Waterford Elegance Bordeaux Glasses (Set of 2) - 21 oz/9 inches
5.0/5
From: $100-120
|
Premium lead crystal construction with elegant, hand-cut detailing. Ideal for formal settings. |
NUDE Stem Zero Volcano Red Wine Glass 33.75 oz/9.75 inches
5.0/5
From: $80-90
|
Innovative stemless design with an extra-large 33.75 oz bowl for maximum oxygen exposure. Perfect for casual and modern use. |
Riedel Performance Merlot Wine Glass - 29 oz/10 inches
4.9/5
From: $70-90
|
Wide 29 oz bowl and tapered rim to concentrate aromas and direct wine to the tip of the tongue. Suitable for everyday use. |
And remember: serving wine isn’t just about the glass! Must-have Merlot wine accessories include at least a quality corkscrew, a wide-based decanter, and a wine thermometer to check that perfect serving temperature.
From France to the world: the global journey of Merlot wine
Many people know Bordeaux as the heart of great French wines, and Merlot is actually the most widely planted grape there. Grown in about 37 countries and covering roughly 266,000 hectares, that’s 3% of the world’s vineyards! In France, Merlot is mainly grown in:
- Saint-Émilion: known for smooth, elegant Merlot with cherry and plum notes and soft tannins.
Try a classic: Château La Gomerie 2000 by Château La Gomerie - Pomerol: produces rich, full-bodied Merlot with dark fruit and chocolate flavors.
Try a classic: Château La Fleur de Gay 2009 by Château La Fleur de Gay - Fronsac: offers balanced Merlot with fresh red fruit and earthy hints, more approachable.
Try a classic: Château Moulin Pey-Labrie 2010 by Château Moulin Pey-Labrie
Though Merlot started in France, Italian Merlot wines offer a distinctive style that many collectors and enthusiasts appreciate. California Merlot wines also stand out for their bold, fruity character, making Merlot a truly global favorite.
Cabernet Sauvignon wine vs Merlot: two Bordeaux legends
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are two of the most popular red grape varieties worldwide. They are often compared because they’re commonly blended in Bordeaux wines and this is why the topic of Cabernet Sauvignon wine vs Merlot is so interesting. Yet, they are very different:
- Merlot is softer and rounder, with silky tannins and fruity flavors like plum, cherry, and berries. It’s more approachable when young.
- Cabernet Sauvignon is more structured and tannic, with higher acidity and notes of black currant, graphite, and pepper.
Below, we’ve rounded up some other red wines similar to Merlot that wine lovers will surely enjoy.
| Wine / Main Grape | Top Wine & Wine Maker | Wine style |
|---|---|---|
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 – Chappellet Pritchard Hill Estate Vineyard | Structured, tannic, full bodied |
| Malbec | La Roche Mère Malbec de Cahors 2014 – Crocus | Rich, fruity, medium to full bodied |
| Shiraz | Côte Rotie Les Becasses 2020 – M.Chapoutier | Spicy, bold, full bodied |
| Sangiovese | Brunello di Montalcino 2020 – Altesino | Medium bodied, bright acidity, cherry notes |
Should Merlot be chilled? Recommended serving temp
The ideal Merlot serving temperature is around 65°F: warm enough to release its aromas, but cool enough to keep it balanced. To elevate your tasting experience even more, just follow these few easy tips:
- Store Merlot in a cool, dark place at around 65°F
- Decant young Merlot for 30 to 60 minutes
- Decant aged Merlot for 1 to 2 hours
Enjoying Merlot at the right temperature and with proper decanting can truly elevate your wine experience. And if you’re asking yourself should Merlot be chilled? Just a touch!
Merlot wine food pairing essentials: the most versatile star
Looking for a wine that works with almost any dish? Merlot is a top choice! Known as an all-purpose red, it pairs well not only with red meats but also with white meats, cured meats, cheese, pasta and risotto, and even Asian food.
Its versatility is one of its greatest strengths, however, fish rarely works well with Merlot’s structure! For more Merlot wine food pairing ideas, check out the table below:
| Food | Best Bottle | Aged | Type & Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roast chicken, turkey, or duck with herbs | Redigaffi 2017 – Tua Rita | 1-3 years ABV: 14,5% |
Dry, fruity and smooth |
| Grilled vegetables, ratatouille, or Mediterranean dishes | Napa Valley Merlot 2010 – Duckhorn Vineyard | 5-10 years ABV: 14,5% |
Full bodied with firm tannins |
| Beef stew, lamb tagine, or braised short ribs | Napa Valley Merlot 2021 – Keenan | 3-5 years ABV: 14,3% |
Round, fruit driven and creamy |
| Aged Cheese, Roquefort, Parmigiano Reggiano, Cheddar, Gouda | Galatrona 2022 – Petrolo | 5-10 years ABV: 14% |
Medium to full bodied, crunchy tannins with lasting freshness |
| Mushroom risotto, pasta with tomato sauce, or eggplant parmigiana | Liu Merlot 2019 – Castello dei Rampolla | 3-4 years ABV: 14,5% |
Fruity, soft and balanced |
FAQs Merlot wine bottles
The best Merlot brand is Château Cheval Blanc, a legendary name from Bordeaux, France. Renowned for its unparalleled quality and elegance, Château Cheval Blanc produces some of the world’s most sought-after Merlot wines. Known for rich, complex flavors and a velvety texture, this brand represents the pinnacle of Merlot craftsmanship.
The best bottle of Merlot is Ornellaia Masseto 2006, a renowned wine from Italy’s Tuscany region. Known for its luxurious texture and intricate layers of ripe dark fruit, spices, and delicate oak, this vintage highlights Merlot’s exceptional quality. Balancing richness with elegance, it’s a must-try for collectors and wine lovers seeking a memorable and refined tasting experience.
To pick a good Merlot, start by considering the region: Bordeaux and Italy produce some of the best examples. Look for wines with balanced acidity, smooth tannins, and rich fruit flavors like cherry, plum, and blackberry. Check the vintage for quality and aging potential. Reading reviews and ratings can also help guide your choice.
Yes, Merlot is primarily known as a red wine grape variety, producing rich, smooth red wines. However, while rare, there are also some experimental or lesser-known white and rosé wines made from Merlot grapes through specific winemaking techniques. These variations are much less common but they do exist in niche markets and innovative wineries.
Yes, Merlot is a dry wine, characterized by little to no residual sugar. It’s appreciated for its smoothness, soft tannins and rich flavors of dark fruits such as cherry, plum, and blackberry. Although winemaking styles can vary, Merlot is generally enjoyed as a dry, medium to full bodied red wine that pairs well with a wide range of foods.
No, Merlot is not typically a sweet wine. It is usually crafted as a dry red wine, featuring smooth tannins and rich flavors of dark fruits like cherry, plum and blackberry. While some winemakers might produce off-dry or slightly sweeter versions, traditional Merlot wines are known for their balanced dryness and fruity character rather than sweetness.
Merlot is a red wine made from the Merlot grape, known for its soft tannins, medium body, and smooth, fruity flavors. It’s one of the most popular red wines globally, appreciated for its approachability and versatility, whether enjoyed alone or paired with a variety of dishes.
Merlot wine typically has a deep ruby or garnet red color. Younger Merlots often show vibrant red or purple hues, while aged ones may develop brick or brownish tones. Its rich color reflects the grape’s dark skin and gives a visual hint of its bold, fruit-forward character.
Top Merlot producers include Château Cheval Blanc and Château Petrus, legendary Bordeaux estates known for premium blends. Italy’s Masseto and Le Macchiole craft world-class single-varietal Merlots with depth and elegance. In California, Duckhorn Vineyards stands out, especially for its acclaimed Three Palms Vineyard, a benchmark in New World Merlot.
Merlot typically has an Alcohol By Volume (ABV) ranging between 13% and 14.5%. This level gives it a smooth, balanced character without being too heavy or overpowering. The exact Merlot ABV can vary depending on the region, vintage, and winemaking style, but most Merlots fall within this moderate range, making them approachable and enjoyable for a wide variety of wine drinkers.
Merlot wine prices range significantly based on factors such as origin, producer, vintage, and quality. The Merlot cost for budget-friendly options typically falls between $10 and $20, perfect for casual drinking. Mid-tier Merlots, priced from $20 to $50, tend to offer greater complexity and aging ability. Premium Merlots from renowned estates, like Château Pétrus, can reach hundreds or thousands of dollars.
The best years for Merlot wine vary by region but generally include vintages known for ideal growing conditions. In Bordeaux, standout Merlot vintages are 2000, 2012, and 2016, offering excellent balance and aging potential. In Italy, particularly Tuscany, 2010 and 2016 are highly regarded. These years produced Merlots with rich fruit, smooth tannins, and great complexity.