For all those who fancy a glass of Merlot, the London Wine Competitions 2024 boasts a varied, expertly selected and honoured selection of the finest merlots. Ranked on the basis of quality, packaging and value for money. Irrespective of whether you have recently ventured in the world of wine or have been a long-time resident, this article has all you need to know about merlots, right from its unique characteristics to the best performing selections and the top producing regions.

Unique Characteristics of Merlot

Merlot, renowned for its soft texture and versatile style, is one of the most popular red wines worldwide. Merlot wines are typically dry, medium- to full-bodied, with moderate acidity and alcohol levels ranging between 13% to 15%. The wine's supple tannins contribute to its smooth mouthfeel, which becomes even more velvety in warmer climates. The flavour profile of Merlot is diverse, offering notes of blackberries, black cherries, and plums, often accompanied by hints of graphite, herbs, and cocoa. When aged in oak, Merlot develops additional layers of complexity, featuring aromas of vanilla, clove, and cedar. In cooler climates, Merlot leans towards fresher red plum and cherry notes, while warmer regions bring out richer flavours of baked blackberry and fruitcake. As it ages, Merlot evolves, revealing chocolatey, meaty, and tobacco-like characteristics that further enhance its appeal.

The Best Merlots from the London Wine Competitions 2024

1. Château Clos Bel Air Merlot, Gold Medal (93 Points)

Château Clos Bel Air Merlot 2022, a standout from France, captivates with rich aromas of blackcurrant, ripe black fruit, and chocolate, underscored by bramble notes. On the palate, it reveals well-balanced tannins and a refined, elegant structure that hints at its potential for further ageing. With its seamless integration of flavours, this wine is a prime example of Merlot's finesse and complexity.

Image Title & Source: Château Clos Bel Air Merlot 2022

2. Chateau Fonbadet, Gold Medal (93 Points)

The 2019 Chateau Fonbadet from France impresses with a medium-intense herbaceous nose, followed by ripe blackcurrant, sweet spices, sandalwood, and earthy undertones. Its powerful and concentrated palate is marked by fine-grained tannins, leading to a chocolatey and coffee-infused finish. The richness and complexity of this wine showcase the depth Merlot can achieve, offering a bold yet nuanced tasting experience.

Image Title & Source: 2019 Chateau Fonbadet

3. BlockTwo, Gold Medal (93 Points)

BlockTwo 2018, produced by Paradise Rescued in France, presents a delicate bouquet of red fruits, complemented by herbaceous notes and the distinctive bell pepper aroma characteristic of Cabernet Franc. On the palate, smooth and well-integrated tannins contribute to a balanced, moderate finish. BlockTwo is an excellent representation of a Merlot blend, highlighting the harmony between fruit and herbaceous elements in a finely crafted wine.

Image Title & Source: BlockTwo 2018

4. Château Larteau Merlot, Gold Medal (93 Points)

Château Larteau Merlot 2022, another French gem, showcases a complex nose of black fruits, black currant, and dark plum. The well-balanced palate is rich with flavours of black cherry, spiced plum, blackberry, cassis (black currant), and tobacco, all supported by smooth tannins and a depth of complexity. 

Image Title & Source: Château Larteau Merlot 2022

5. Château Tour Saint Pierre, Gold Medal (93 Points)

Rounding out the top Merlot picks is the 2022 Château Tour Saint Pierre, bursting with black fruit flavours, complemented by bramble, black cherry, and a hint of pepper and spice. Its great character and complexity, combined with the potential for further ageing, make Château Tour Saint Pierre a notable Merlot that exemplifies the quality and depth that can be achieved with this varietal.

Image Title & Source: 2022 Château Tour Saint Pierre

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Top Merlot Producing Regions

France

Merlot thrives as one of France’s most celebrated grape varieties in the Bordeaux region. Renowned for its adaptability, Merlot is a staple in the right-bank Bordeaux appellations of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. Notably, Pomerol is home to prestigious estates such as Château Pétrus, which is synonymous with top-tier Merlot. In Saint-Émilion, Merlot frequently partners with Cabernet Franc to create nuanced and elegant blends. On Bordeaux’s left bank, the Médoc region also produces Merlot, benefiting from the clay-rich soils that complement the grape's thin skin. Beyond Bordeaux, Merlot is cultivated in Provence, the Loire Valley, Côtes de Bordeaux, and other regions like Vienne, Bergerac, and Cahors.

Italy

Italy offers a diverse array of Merlot wines, with notable regions including Friuli, Veneto, Alto-Adige, and Umbria. Friuli is a key producer of varietal Merlot, showcasing the grape’s ability to reflect the cooler Italian climate. Additionally, in the renowned Super Tuscan blends, Merlot is often used alongside Sangiovese to create softer, more approachable wines. While not the dominant grape, Merlot adds complexity and smoothness to these prestigious blends. Veneto and Alto-Adige also feature Merlot in their red wine offerings, building Italy’s reputation for quality, cool-climate Merlots.

United States

In the United States, Merlot has surged in popularity, with California and Washington State leading the way. California’s warm climates, especially in Sonoma County, Paso Robles, and Napa Valley, are ideal for cultivating Merlot, resulting in wines with rich, full flavours. Noteworthy producers include Duckhorn Vineyard, which exemplifies high-quality California Merlot. The state’s Merlot production began with a focus on varietal wines but has since evolved to include Bordeaux-style red blends. Unique fruity expressions of Merlot, sometimes labelled as “red Chardonnay” by critics, also emerge from this region. Merlot is also grown in Ohio, Texas, Virginia, and Oregon, each contributing to the diverse landscape of American Merlot.

Chile

Chile has established itself as a significant player in the Merlot market. The country’s major Merlot regions, Colchagua and Maule Valley, benefit from a climate that blends characteristics of California and France, producing expressive and balanced Merlot wines. Chilean Merlot was historically confused with Carménère due to their similar profiles; however, today’s varietal Merlots are distinct, often enhanced with a touch of Carménère to add complexity. Chile’s position as the fifth-largest wine exporter globally underscores its growing prominence in the Merlot category.

While this article provides a comprehensive overview into the world of merlots, for a deeper understanding of the best performing wines, take a look at all our winners from the London Wine Competitions 2024.

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