AUSTRALIAN MERLOT

A French varietal, Merlot was introduced to Australia in the 1960s when Merlot grapes were imported from the USA’s California wine region. In the 1990s the popularity of Australian Merlot saw an increase and by 2016, Australia was crushing 112,000 tonnes of Merlot grapes, growing from just 1000 tonnes crushed in 1987.

There are now around 8, 477HA of Merlot planted across Australia, however, it is mostly enjoyed as a Merlot blend.

WHAT IS MERLOT?

Merlot is a medium-bodied red wine made from the Merlot grape variety. Australian Merlot generally delivers characters of plum, mulberry and fruitcake, raspberry, cherry, violet, spice and dried herbs, and notes of cedar and wood smoke from time in oak.

Merlot tends to be soft, plump and juicy and is a very approachable red that is regarded as a great all-rounder for a range of palates.

Not only does Merlot make superb single vineyard wines, it’s also often blended with other red varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

Learn more about Merlot. 

IS MERLOT RED WINE?

A red wine, Merlot is considered to be medium-bodied with supple tannins, and an alcohol percentage of around 13% to 15%.  It is lighter than Shiraz and heavier than Pinot Noir and is loved for its smooth texture and ease of drinking.

IS MERLOT SWEET?

While Merlot tends to be fruitier on the palate than Cabernet Sauvignon, it is not a sweet wine. The tannin levels in Merlot mean it is described and classified as a dry wine.

IS MERLOT A DRY WINE?

Merlot is generally considered to be a dry red wine. While it can have a fruity profile that might suggest sweetness, its residual sugar levels are comparatively low, meaning most of the grape's natural sugars are converted to alcohol during fermentation. The tannins in Merlot also contribute to its dry mouthfeel. 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MERLOT AND CABERNET? DOES MERLOT TASTE LIKE CABERNET SAUVIGNON?

While Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are both red wines, they are made from different grape varietals. Merlot is medium-bodied and sweeter and fruitier on the palate, while Cabernet is rich and robust with mouth-filling flavours of blackcurrant, cedar, mint, and plum. Cabernet also has a firm tannin profile, which means that it can generally be cellared for 10 plus years.

WHICH IS SWEETER, MERLOT OR SHIRAZ?

Merlot is sweeter and less spicy than Shiraz.

WHICH IS LIGHTER, MERLOT OR SHIRAZ?

Merlot is generally considered to be a lighter red wine than Shiraz. It’s usually medium-bodied, while Shiraz is classified as a full-bodied varietal.

WHAT REGIONS IN AUSTRALIA MAKE THE BEST MERLOT?

A very versatile grape, Merlot is grown in most wine regions around Australia, although it grows best in cool to moderate climates. The different climates experienced in Australia’s wine regions means the style of Merlot the country produces varies from region to region.

The distinction between warm and cool climate Shiraz shows in their different textures, weight and flavour profiles. Merlot fruit grown in warmer climates ripens more quickly, and the resulting wines tend to deliver fuller, riper dark fruit flavours and are more full-bodied and luscious.

On the other hand, Merlot grown in cooler regions ripen more gently and are more medium-bodied and savoury. Although they have a similar flavour profile, there are some differing varietal characters – white pepper rather than black pepper, and red fruits rather than black fruits.

ADELAIDE HILLS MERLOT

The Adelaide Hills is a long and narrow wine region with the Barossa Valley lying to the north and McLaren Vale to the south. The peaks and valleys teem with farmland and vineyards producing sensational wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Merlot. The elevation of the Adelaide Hills grants it a distinctly cooler climate that imparts its grapes vibrant varietal flavours and character, with a good degree of natural acidity. Discover delicious local Merlot by K1 by Geoff Hardy, Chain of Ponds, Amadio, Tomich, and more.  

YARRA VALLEY MERLOT

While one of Australia’s cooler wine regions, due to the differences in elevation, the Yarra Valley climate moves between continental and Mediterranean, with a dash of maritime influence. Grapes enjoy slow ripening periods, producing flavoursome wines that retain their subtlety. It produces world-class Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir. Cool nights and slow temperature rise during the day also help retain Merlot's deliciously moreish aroma and flavour profile. Check out Merlot by Soumah, Yarra Yering, TarraWarra Estate, Rochford, and more.

MARGARET RIVER MERLOT

Thanks to its classic maritime climate, Margaret River has high winter rainfall with a low risk of frosts. The dry, warm summers are excellent for grape growing, while the cool breezes from the Indian Ocean extend vibrancy to the fruit. Margaret River Merlot is vibrant, fruit-driven, medium-bodied, and very versatile. Merlot accounts for about 4% of the region’s annual grape production, and many of Margaret River and Western Australian Cabernet Sauvignons benefit from the addition of Merlot. Look for regional Merlot by Voyager Estate, Lenton Brae, Miles From Nowhere, and more.

COONAWARRA MERLOT

Coonawarra is famous for its narrow strip of rich, red terra rossa soil sitting atop deep limestone, which produces exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot. Coonawarra Merlot is a relatively new arrival on the scene, but its growing popularity is no surprise. The region’s free-draining soil produces some of Australia’s best single-varietal Merlot, blessed by the region’s cooler climate and the abundant sunshine of the ripening season. The wines are elegant, ripe, full-bodied, and even opulent with lovely silken tannins. Merlot accounts for about 8% of the region’s annual grape production. Look for Coonawarra Merlot by Leconfield, Schoolhouse, Devitt & Moore, Magarey Lane, Riddoch, Katnook Estate, and more.

HUNTER VALLEY MERLOT

The Hunter Valley is home to some of the oldest and rarest vine stock in the world. Besides the staples of Chardonnay, Semillon, Verdelho and Shiraz, the Hunter is becoming increasingly known for its Merlot. The region’s temperate climate and varied soil profiles provide a perfect environment for growing and producing premium Merlot, which accounts for around 3% of the annual grape production. Seek out Hunter Valley Merlot by Margan, Peter Drayton, Domaine de Binet, House of Certain Views, Audrey Wilkinson, and more.  

BAROSSA VALLEY MERLOT

The Barossa Valley's warm climate provides excellent conditions for full-bodied wines. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grenache dominate the red plantings. Merlot from the Barossa Valley also tends to be fuller-bodied. Taste regional Merlot from Schild Estate, Hentley Farm, Irvine, Grant Burge, Château Tanunda, and more.

EDEN VALLEY MERLOT

Neighbouring the Barossa, the rugged and hilly Eden Valley landscape is a cooler grape-growing region. The cooler temperatures are reflected in the wines, which produce finer, more elegant and velvety flavours. Both Irvine and Château Tanunda are legendary Merlot producers.

Irvine’s Grant Merlot Block was planted in 1983; the sites face east/west and north to catch the warm sun late in the season when the days are very short, enabling the Merlot to achieve perfect ripeness before harvesting. Seven Merlot clones are planted on this site, allowing Irivine to experiment and innovate.

HOW MANY CALORIES ARE IN MERLOT?

Regarding the number of calories in a glass of Merlot, the consensus is that a 150ml glass of Merlot contains around 144 calories for wines that are typically 13% ABV (alcohol by volume).

CAN MERLOT BE SERVED CHILLED? DO YOU SERVE MERLOT CHILLED? DO YOU DRINK MERLOT WARM OR COLD?

During a hot Aussie summer, it’s best to chill your Merlot in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes before serving it. This will mellow the tannins and bring out the fruit and floral notes.

DOES MERLOT AGE WELL?

With its medium tannin and acidity, Merlot is generally more of an early-drinking wine yet can be cellared for up to five years.

WHAT ARE THE BEST FOOD PAIRINGS FOR MERLOT?

Thanks to its medium body and supple acidity, Merlot is a food-friendly wine. It’s the perfect wine variety to match with slow-cooked or rustic-style dishes, including pasta, Mediterranean fare, tapas, and tomato-based dishes.

It’s also delicious served with pork and duck, crowd-pleasing pizza, and charcuterie platters. When it comes to lamb, Merlot is an excellent alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon. It loves mushroom-based dishes and some curries like beef rendang, and can be enjoyed with mild, mature cheddar cheese.

HOW TO BUY MERLOT FROM WINE SELECTORS?

Want the best Australian Merlot delivered to your doorstep? With Wine Selectors, you can explore Australia’s top Sangiovese from the comfort of your home. Order a mixed Merlot case at a 20% discount, or sign up for a Customised Merlot subscription to enjoy styles handpicked just for you.