The 2025 London Wine Competition once again set the stage for the world’s finest wines, judged not only on quality, but also on value for money and packaging appeal—the very elements that influence real buying decisions.

This year, Merlot proved its strength as a versatile and consumer-friendly varietal. Known for its soft tannins, ripe fruit flavors, and universal drinkability, Merlot offers both everyday enjoyment and refined expressions for collectors. For retailers, these medal-winning Merlots represent high commercial potential, while consumers can trust that they deliver exceptional quality at every price point.

Featured Merlot Winners

1. Trame Rosse is a lightly spiced red with sweet cherry notes on the nose. This approachable wine offers rustic charm and soft tannins, along with a gentle fruit profile that makes for easy, casual drinking. It earned the prestigious title of Merlot of the Year, scoring an impressive 95 points.

Score: 95 Points – Gold Medal
Producer: Azienda Agricola Perelli
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2019

2. Terra Sávia Merlot is deep ruby in colour with a bright hue. This midweight Merlot opens with ripe red and black fruits and floral notes, offering fresh acidity, smooth structure and a clean, balanced finish. Recognised as Wine of the Year USA, achieving a top score of 95 points.

Score: 95 Points – Gold Medal
Producer: Terra Sávia Winery
Country: United States
Vintage: 2018

3. Riddoch The Investor Coonawarra Merlot is a deep ruby in colour with earthy black fruits and sweet spice on the nose. This Merlot shows smooth texture and savoury cedar notes on the palate, finishing with good balance and length. Received a Silver Medal, earning 93 points for its quality.

Score: 93 Points – Silver Medal
Producer: Paragon Wine Estates
Country: Australia
Vintage: 2022

4. Merlot IGT is a ruby red with cherry, soft spice and a hint of earth. The palate is round and smooth with supple tannins and a clean finish that carries gentle warmth and fruit depth. Achieved a Silver Medal, rated at 93 points by the judges.

Score: 93 Points – Silver Medal
Producer: Podere il Castello
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2021

5. Curtis Legion SA Merlot 2022 is a Dark ruby with blackberries, chocolate and earth on the nose. This wine offers rich dark fruit and sweet spice on the palate with firm tannins and a long, bold, concentrated finish. Awarded a Silver Medal with a score of 92 points for its bold character.

Score: 92 Points – Silver Medal
Producer: Curtis Family Vineyards
Country: Australia
Vintage: 2022

6. Frà MERLOT is a ruby red with plum, tobacco leaf and forest floor on the nose, the palate is soft and savoury with rounded tannins and a mellow finish showing earthy warmth and gentle fruit. Achieved a Silver Medal, garnering 92 points for its elegant profile.

Score: 92 Points – Silver Medal
Producer: POGGIO ULIVI s.s.a. / GagiaBlu
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2021

7. Château Les Gravières - is a deep ruby with ripe plum, mocha and dried herbs, the palate is round and supple with polished tannins, fresh acidity and a warm finish filled with dark berries and subtle oak, recognised with a Silver Medal, scoring 92 points for its balanced expression.

Score: 92 Points – Silver Medal
Producer: SCEA VIGNOBLES DENIS BARRAUD
Country: France
Vintage: 2016

8. Chateau Clos Bel Air Merlot 2023 is a deep ruby with cassis, bay leaf and cedar. The palate is smooth and layered with subtle spice, ripe tannins and a well-balanced, classic finish with good length. Secured a Silver Medal, earning 92 points for its classic style.

Score: 92 Points – Silver Medal
Producer: Chateau Clos Bel Air
Country: France
Vintage: 2023

9. Fishing Cat Merlot- Vino Varietal is a Medium ruby with raspberry, chocolate and hints of tobacco. The palate is soft and approachable with a plush texture and a short, clean finish led by ripe fruit. Honoured with a Silver Medal and rated 91 points for its approachable profile.

Score: 91 Points – Silver Medal
Producer: Cantina Tollo SCA- Italy
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2023

10. Terra Sávia Rosé is a deep salmon in colour with strawberry, pink grapefruit and floral notes. This rosé is vibrant and textural with bright acidity and a round, gastronomic finish that lingers on rose petals. Achieved a Silver Medal, scoring 90 points for its vibrant and balanced taste.

Score: 90 Points – Silver Medal
Producer: Terra Sávia Winery
Country: United States
Vintage: 2023

11. Emissaire by Larteau is a deep ruby with black fruit, cedar and cocoa. The palate is plush and structured with well-integrated tannins and a polished finish showing concentration and finesse. Awarded a Bronze Medal, receiving 89 points for its refined structure.

Score: 89 Points – Bronze Medal
Producer: Chateau Larteau
Country: France
Vintage: 2022

12. Rancho El Fortín Merlot 2024 is a medium ruby with cherry, plum and subtle oak on the nose. This Merlot is rounded and balanced with light tannins and spice, finishing smooth with a softly textured elegance. Scored 89 points and received a Bronze Medal for its smooth and elegant finish.

Score: 89 Points – Bronze Medal
Producer: Vinicola El Fortin SPR de RL de CV
Country: Mexico
Vintage: 2024

13. Paparuda Merlot is a deep ruby in colour with soft aromas of ripe plum, cherry and gentle spice. The palate is smooth and fruit-forward with supple tannins, balanced acidity and an easy, rounded finish. Secured a Bronze Medal, earning 91 points for its balanced and fruit-forward character.

Score: 88 Points – Bronze Medal
Producer: Cramele Recas SA
Country: Romania
Vintage: 2024

14. Korlat Merlot is a deep ruby with ripe aromas of cherry, blueberry and sweet spice. The palate is rich and structured with evident oak, balanced acidity and a medium finish showing clarity and generous fruit definition. Awarded a Bronze Medal, with a score of 85 points for its rich structure.

Score: 85 Points – Bronze Medal
Producer: Badel 1862 d.d.
Country: Croatia
Vintage: 2021

15. Merlot Qvevri is a garnet-hued wine with plum, forest floor and gentle spice. The palate is textural and savoury with firm structure and a balanced finish reflecting both fruit depth and natural. Received a Bronze Medal, achieving 85 points for its textured and savoury profile.

Score: 85 Points – Bronze Medal
Producer: Palavani Ltd
Country: Georgia
Vintage: 2022

Why These Merlots Matter

Merlot continues to be one of the world’s most approachable red wines, beloved for its soft texture and ripe fruit-forward profile. Yet, as the 2025 London Wine Competition shows, Merlot can also deliver prestige, depth, and age-worthiness at the highest levels.

For consumers, these award-winning bottles are a chance to experience Merlot in its finest forms—from New World fruit-driven styles to Old World classics with elegance and structure. For retailers and restaurateurs, these wines provide market-ready selections that balance strong branding, attractive packaging, and proven appeal.

Whether you’re stocking shelves, curating a wine list, or simply looking for your next bottle to enjoy, the 2025 Merlot winners offer something for every taste and occasion.

Also Read:
Award-Winning Rieslings to Buy or Stock from the 2025 London Wine Competition
Best Shiraz Wines to Enjoy or Stock from the 2025 London Wine Competition
Top Chardonnay Wines That Define Elegance and Value at the 2025 London Wine Competition