Merlot wines at Ritschard Weine: a journey through flavour and elegance
The versatility of Merlot wine
The Merlot variety, also known as Merlot Noir, is one of the most popular red wine varieties worldwide and is described as the number one Bordeaux grape variety in France, where it is the most commonly grown variety. Merlot is highly appreciated for its smooth character and fruity aromas. In addition to Merlot wines, you will also find a wide selection of white wines, rosé wines, sparkling wines and digestifs in our online shop. If you are looking for a gift, we offer you our gift service with various tasting boxes and gift vouchers that allow the recipient to choose from our range.
The Merlot grape variety: origin and significance
Merlot is one of the most important grape varieties in the world and originally comes from the Bordeaux region in southwestern France. This region, known for its wines, has helped the Merlot grape achieve international fame. The name ‘Merlot’ was first used in 1784 and is derived from the French word for blackbird, ‘merle’, which refers to the birds' preference for the sweet berries of the Merlot vine.
Merlot is the result of a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Magdeleine Noire des Charentes, which gives it a rich genetic heritage. This cross gives Merlot its characteristic flavours and makes it one of the most versatile grape varieties in the world. A rare variant is Merlot Blanc, a natural cross between Merlot and the white grape variety Folle Blanche, which is particularly noteworthy in cultivation. The blending of Merlot with other grape varieties, particularly in the Bordeaux region, results in high-quality wines with increased aging potential, suitable for future generations.
Merlot is the second most important grape variety in the world, after Cabernet Sauvignon, with an area under cultivation of around 290,000 hectares. Its popularity has increased steadily in recent decades, particularly among younger consumers, who appreciate the fruity character and soft texture of the wines. In France alone, the area under Merlot vines has increased sevenfold in the last 60 years, underlining the growing importance of this grape variety in international viticulture.
Wine-growing regions and synonyms of Merlot
Merlot is grown in many wine-producing regions around the world, including South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, the United States, Germany, Hungary, and various regions of France, Austria and Italy. However, the grape variety is particularly well known in France, especially in the Saint-Émilion and Pomerol regions of Bordeaux, which are home to some of the world's most renowned Merlot wines, such as Château Pétrus and Le Pin.
The worldwide distribution of the Merlot grape is also reflected in the multitude of synonyms. Over 60 different names are known for this grape variety, including Alicante Noir, Crabutet Noir, Medoc Noir, Merlot Nero, Petit Merle and Semillon Rouge. This variety of names reflects the adaptability and popularity of Merlot in different cultures and wine-growing regions.
Characteristics of the Merlot grape: growth, ripening and yield
Merlot is known for its moderate to strong growth and tends to produce many water shoots and suckers. Due to its semi-upright to horizontal growth, the vine needs a well-developed canopy. This grape variety is generally fertile and high-yielding, making it a popular choice for winegrowers. However, Merlot is sensitive to winter and spring frosts, which is why choosing the right location and carefully tending the vines are crucial.
The Merlot grapes ripen moderately late, which means they ripen about two to three weeks later than the reference variety Chasselas. Merlot prefers clayey, calcareous soils and a temperate climate with sufficient sunshine. This grape variety often produces high yields, but the quality of the grapes can be affected by excessive yields. It is therefore important to regulate yields to ensure the best possible quality of wine.
The flavour profile of Merlot: aromas, tannins and acidity
Merlot wines are known for their pronounced fruitiness and soft texture. Typical flavours include plum, cherry, black cherry, blackberry, blueberry and cassis, accompanied by notes of chocolate and sometimes a slight herbal spiciness. These wines are typically medium to full-bodied, round and powerful, with balanced acidity that makes them particularly pleasant on the palate.
Merlot wines have softer tannins than other red varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah. This gives them a velvety texture that makes them drinkable early on, but also allows for a certain amount of ageing in oak barrels. Storage in oak barrels contributes to the development of complex aromas, such as vanilla, smoke and cedar wood, and gives the wine additional depth and finesse. With age, Merlot becomes even smoother and more harmonious, making it a versatile companion for many occasions.
Merlot in blends and coupage: a perfect match
In the Bordeaux region, the combination of Merlot with other grape varieties plays a central role in many famous red wine blends. Particularly when blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, Merlot produces wines that are both drinkable earlier and have great ageing potential. Well-known examples of such cuvées are Château Charmail Haut-Médoc, Château Cantemerle Grand Cru and Château Chante Alouette Grand Cru.
International blends
Merlot is also frequently used in blends outside France. In Italy, for example, Merlot is often blended with Sangiovese to create regionally typical wines with a unique flavour balance. In Spain, Merlot is sometimes blended with Tempranillo or Syrah, while in Austria and Germany, combinations with Blaufränkisch or Zweigelt can be found. These blends demonstrate the versatility of Merlot and its ability to blend harmoniously with different wine styles.
Merlot and food: the best pairings
Merlot wines are extremely versatile and go well with a wide range of dishes. The nose of Merlot is characterised by an aromatic diversity that includes notes of dark fruit, spices and hints of toasted or woody aromas, which significantly influence the sensory experience when eating. Their soft tannins and fruity aromas make them an excellent accompaniment to meat dishes, especially beef, lamb, game and poultry. Vegetarian dishes, especially savoury vegetable casseroles or mushroom dishes, also go well with Merlot.
Thanks to their soft tannins, Merlot wines also go well with firm, salty cheeses such as Manchego, Swiss Emmental or Parmesan. These combinations enhance the flavours of the wine and ensure a well-rounded taste experience. The versatility of Merlot makes it an ideal wine for festive occasions, relaxed dinners or to round off the day.
Merlot in different wine varieties: rosé, white and more
Merlot rosé: fresh and fruity
Merlot grapes are also perfect for making rosé wines. These wines are characterised by their fresh fruitiness and light acidity, which make them a particularly refreshing treat on warm days. Merlot Rosé is usually made by direct pressing or maceration, where the juice is drawn off after brief contact with the skins and then vinified separately. This results in wines with a delicate rosé colour and a fruity, slightly floral aroma.
Merlot Blanc: a rare discovery
Merlot Blanc is a rare and interesting variety of the Merlot grape. This white version of Merlot is the result of a natural cross between Merlot and the white grape variety Folle Blanche. Merlot Blanc wines are particularly noteworthy because of their rarity in cultivation and offer a unique taste experience that stands out from the typical red and rosé wines.
Maturing Merlot wines: barriques and ageing
Maturing Merlot in oak barriques is a common practice that helps to intensify the wine's flavours and add complexity. The contact with oak during maturation introduces additional aromas such as vanilla, smoke and spices into the wine. These aromas integrate harmoniously with the fruity notes of the Merlot, giving it a deeper and richer structure.
Merlot wines usually have good ageing potential, especially if they have been aged in oak barrels. Under optimal storage conditions, these wines can age for many years, gaining depth and finesse. As they mature, the aromas develop further, and the wine becomes smoother and more complex. This makes Merlot an excellent choice for collectors and wine lovers looking for wines with aging potential.
Merlot wines from Switzerland: a speciality
In Switzerland, Ticino is the most important growing area for Merlot. The grape variety has been established here since the 20th century and is now cultivated on around 85% of the canton's vineyard area. The warm, sunny conditions of Ticino provide ideal conditions for the Merlot grape, which is processed here into wines of high quality. These wines are characterised by a rich fruitiness, soft tannins and a pleasant acidity, making them a popular wine at home and abroad.
Awards and recognition: Merlot Nadia Mathier
An outstanding example of the quality of Swiss Merlot wines is the Merlot Nadia Mathier, which regularly wins prizes at the Mondial du Merlot, the only Merlot competition in the world. This wine has won an impressive eleven gold medals in the last twelve years – a remarkable achievement that underlines its quality and the reputation of Swiss Merlot wines.
The vines for this wine grow on limestone and slate terraces in Salgesch and Sitten, and the wine is harvested under strict yield restrictions of 600 grams per square metre. After fermentation, the wine is aged for 15 to 18 months in new French barriques, which gives it its characteristic depth and complexity.
Merlot – A grape variety of timeless elegance and versatility
Merlot is one of the most versatile and popular grape varieties in the world, excelling in both single-varietal wines and blends. Its ability to produce wines with soft tannins, rich fruitiness and balanced acidity makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of occasions and dishes. Whether as a red wine, rosé or the rare Merlot Blanc variety, Merlot remains a grape variety that is of great importance to both wine lovers and winemakers. With its unbroken success and continuous development, Merlot remains a timeless icon in the world of wine.
Frequently asked questions about Merlot wine
What type of wine is Merlot?
The Merlot grape variety, also known as Merlot Noir, is one of the most prominent red wine varieties worldwide. After Cabernet Sauvignon, it is the second most important red wine grape variety. Merlot is grown in many countries, and around 60 different synonyms are now known for this grape variety.
What does Merlot taste like?
The taste of Merlot cannot be clearly defined. The range of aromas is broad and includes strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants, black cherries, plums and figs. Spicy notes such as cinnamon, cloves and cedar wood can also be detected.
What is the difference between Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon?
Compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot reds have less tannin and a milder acidity. This makes them particularly popular with wine novices, as Merlot wines can be enjoyed earlier. Their uncomplicated and drinkable character make them attractive even when young.
Is Merlot wine sweet?
Merlot, a dry red wine, is very popular due to its soft, velvety character and pronounced fruit notes. Compared to many white and dessert wines, it is typically rather dry and less sweet.
What does a Merlot wine taste like?
Merlot is characterised by its pronounced fruitiness and silky-soft texture, which sets it apart from typical, edgy red wines. These characteristics make it extremely popular internationally. With a global cultivation area of over 200,000 hectares, Merlot is one of the most sought-after grape varieties worldwide.
When to drink Merlot?
We recommend Merlot wines as an accompaniment to savoury vegetable casseroles, carpaccio, roast beef and beef steaks, as well as roast lamb and lamb chops.
What is Merlot Bianco?
The white wine variety Merlot Blanc is cultivated in small quantities in the French region of Bordeaux, for example in the Blayais, Bourgeais and Graves areas. It is said to have been brought back in 1891 by a gentleman by the name of Guinaudie after a hunt in the wine-growing region of Sud-Ouest.
How is white Merlot made?
Bianco di Merlot – white wine made from red grapes. First, the clear juice is obtained by draining the must when the Merlot grapes are destemmed; then a gentle pressing is done to prevent colouring from the skins from entering the must.
What is the colour of Merlot?
Merlot red is a rich shade reminiscent of dark red wine. This elegant colour is perfect as a feature wall colour and also makes an interesting choice for unique paint jobs.
Is Merlot a white wine or a red wine?
The Merlot grape variety, also known as Merlot Noir, is one of the most prestigious red wine varieties in the world. It is second only to Cabernet Sauvignon among the most important red wine grape varieties.
Is Merlot red wine sweet?
Merlot, a dry red wine, is particularly appreciated for its soft, velvety taste and pronounced fruit notes. It usually has a certain astringency and does not have the sweetness that characterises many white and dessert wines.