By Clodagh Dowson
“I’m not drinking any f****** merlot!”, goes the infamous line in Alexander Payne’s 2004 cult classic Sideways (which actually caused a drop in sales of the grape!). Despite being the second most planted grape in the world (and the most planted in Bordeaux), Merlot is often overlooked and seen simply as a grape for blending. However, Merlot is not to be underestimated: with its versatility and signature velvety texture, the grape variety can produce smooth yet deliciously complex wines.
Originating from Bordeaux, Merlot is the love child of Cabernet Franc and Magdeleine Noire de Charentes, making it the half-sibling of Cabernet Sauvignon. When used in Cabernet Sauvignon blends, as it so often is, Merlot softens the tannins and structure of the wine, thanks to the grape’s thinner skin and fewer seeds.
Sitting somewhere between Syrah and Pinot Noir in terms of body and colour, Merlot produces juicy red wines with notes of dark stone fruits (although its flavour profile can vary greatly depending on the climate in which it’s grown). Think of a black forest gateau: smooth, velvety chocolate with busts of cherries and blackberries. Like many red grape varieties, Merlot really begins to blossom when aged in oak, which brings out richer notes of chocolate, tobacco and warm vanilla.
In terms of food, Merlot pairings may vary depending on the wine, however it often works beautifully with charred meats – think juicy, grilled meats on a smoky summer’s day BBQ.
Waddesdon Rothschild Collection Merlot | Waddesdon Manor
Sourced from southern facing vineyards on the edge of Montpellier, with vines approaching 45 years of age. Old vines are not usually the source of fruit for wines that accommodate the sub of £15 bracket; another wonderful trait this new collection of wines has to offer. A small proportion of the wine (10%) is aged in French oak. This helps to provide the merlot fruit with spice and texture. Spicy notes with eucalyptus and red fruit aromas on the nose, followed by sweet fruits and mellow tannins on the palate. An approachable and moreish Merlot!
Château des Laurets | Waddesdon Manor
Showing tremendous balance and freshness, the nose displays intense aromatic complexity, with spicy nuances followed by hints of vanilla and morello cherry. The wine reveals subtle, well integrated oak on the palate, along with exquisite elegance and great length with refined tannin. The black fruit flavours are remarkably fresh.
Blason de L'Evangile 2021 | Waddesdon Manor
Opulent and alluring. This Pomerol is very 2021 stylistically with it’s suave, juicy and generously textured fruit. It doesn’t feel like a second wine, there’s nothing thin about this wine. It feels luscious and dense yet approachable and open for business now. The nose kicks off with layers of black cherry, charred vanilla, cocoa, tobacco, spicy oak and blueberry coulis. The tannins feel ripe and there’s an exotic element to the wine with fairly low acidity and super juicy fruit. A polished finish hints a cloves and cassis with touches of dark chocolate. Great stuff from DBR Lafite.
