Merlot

mer-LOH

Dry · Red

Approachable and plush, with softer tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon. Ranges from supple and fruit-forward to structured and age-worthy depending on terroir and winemaking.

Globalplantings

248k

hectares · 2023

Topcountry

France

47% of global total

Countriesgrown

across 5 continents

BodyMedium–Full

LightFull

AcidityMedium

LowHigh

TanninMedium

LowHigh

KEY AROMAS

Where Merlot is grown

France117k ha Italy26k ha United States18k ha Spain12k ha Romania11k ha Chile11k ha Bulgaria9.3k ha Australia8.1k ha

At the table

Merlot appears in one wine style. These foods pair with that style.

As a medium-bodied red

Lentils, beans and pulsesMeat ragù and lasagnePizzaPorkRoasted root vegetablesSausages and grilled meatsTomato-based pastaBurgersLambRoast chicken

Go deeper

Merlot around the world