What is Merlot?
Merlot is a medium-to-full-bodied red wine grape that tastes soft and plummy, with black cherry, plum and a little chocolate, and it's smoother and less tannic than Cabernet Sauvignon.
Merlot is the smooth, friendly red. It got mocked in the 2000s, but it's one of the great grapes of Bordeaux and a very easy wine to like. If Cabernet feels too harsh, Merlot is often the fix.
- Tastes like
- Plum, black cherry, chocolate, a little herb
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Where it's from
- Bordeaux, France; Washington; California
- Price range
- About $10–25
- Serve at
- Cool room temperature, 60–65°F
- Bodylight → big
- Sweetnessdry → sweet
- Zingsoft → zippy
- Gripsmooth → grippy
What Merlot tastes like
Ripe plum and black cherry, often with a chocolatey, mocha edge from oak. It's round and velvety rather than grippy, with medium tannin, the drying feeling that Cab has more of.
Warmer places make it jammy and plush. Cooler ones give it more red fruit and a slight herby, bay-leaf note.
Where it comes from
Merlot is the most planted grape in Bordeaux, and it's the star on the 'Right Bank' around Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. In the US, Washington State makes some of the best-value Merlot anywhere, and California has plenty of soft, fruity bottles.
How to pick a bottle
Washington Merlot is the smart buy: good grip and fruit for $10–15. If a bottle says 'Bordeaux' or 'Bordeaux Supérieur' without naming a grape, it's often mostly Merlot and a little earthier.
Very cheap Merlot can taste flat or candied. Spending $12 instead of $7 makes a real difference with this grape.
What to eat with it
Merlot is great with roast chicken, pork loin, meatloaf, mushroom pasta, pizza and burgers. It's the red to pick when the food is hearty but not a giant steak.
Merlot to try
Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot
about $12Merlot
Soft, plummy and well made. One of the best-value Merlots on the shelf.
14 Hands Merlot
about $11Merlot
Juicy and smooth from Washington. Easy weeknight red.
Bogle Merlot
about $11Merlot
Ripe cherry with a little vanilla. Bogle rarely misses at this price.
Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot
about $60Merlot
The splurge that proves Merlot can be serious. Rich, layered, great gift.
Keep reading
- What is dry red wine?
- What is Cabernet Sauvignon?
- Merlot vs Cabernet Sauvignon: what's the difference?
- Pinot Noir vs Merlot: what's the difference?
- What wine goes with pork?
- What wine goes with burgers?
Last checked 2026-10-11.