In this article, we are going to talk about Merlot - A wine that has impressed connoisseurs for centuries with its fruit-forward flavor and its soft & elegant body.

Because of its diverse range of styles, Merlot shines as both a blending wine and a single variant. The comparatively lower tannin presence of Merlot makes it a smooth and accessible addition to any collection. Merlot is an easy-to-drink red wine that makes a perfect option for those just beginning to drink red wines.

Here are the most amazing Merlots that you shouldn’t be missing out on in 2020.

2013 Cuvelier Los Andes / Merlot

2013 Cuvelier Los Andes / Merlot by Cuvelier Los Andes is a juicy and fruity wine with berry and cherry character. Hints of flowers. Medium to full body. Balance of fine tannins. With 13.5% ABV, this wine is a blend of malbec, cabernet sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Syrah.

Until Cuvelier Los Andes’s youngest vines are mature enough to produce grapes with enough complexity to qualify for their top wines, they use these grapes in their Varietals range. With our Merlot, we offer the distinctive flavors and Mendoza’s purest expressions of that other emblematic varietal in Bordeaux. We produce this wine using the same process, care, and love as per our Colección.

2013 Cuvelier Los Andes / Merlot: Gold Medal & ‘Wine Of The Year By Varietal’

2017 Petit Picoron

2017 Petit Picoron by Chateau Picoron reflects the past and future of wine in Bordeaux. The rich structure and jammy black fruits of 2017 Petit Picoron promises a ripe, full wine as this matures. It has juicy acidity and a fresh edge balanced ripeness.

 Chateau Picron does not replicate, they invent. They believe in the history and past of Merlot, as an incredible variety, core to Bordeaux. However, as global warming changes the environment around us, and the future generations inherit the earth, we must adapt. The winery’s belief is that they must adapt our approach to wine production, and rather than turn their back on Merlot, and seek to control the environment ourselves.

2017 Petit Picoron: Gold Medal

2017 La Storia Estate Merlot

2017 La Storia Estate Merlot by Trentadue Winery was harvested on October 12th. 2017 La Storia Merlot is a fine example of the ability of this classic Bordeaux variety to make solid, tasty, and age-worthy wines. The main aromas and flavors of this wine are of dark cherry, plums, a bit of black licorice, and herbs. The new oak barrels contribute a touch of vanilla, brown sugar, cocoa dust, and toast. On the mouth the wine is soft and viscous, balancing the acidity and the tannins well for such a young wine. The finish is long and soft with a suggestion of sweetness backed by ripe tannins. This wine will age well and will reward your patience if stored well in the next 3-6 years.

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Post-fermentation, 2017 La Storia Estate Merlot was aged on the grape skins for a total of 21 days. Post pressing the wine was racked twice and pumped into 28% new, mostly French and other European oak barrels, the rest went into older, mixed barrels. The majority of the wine for the final La Storia blend came from Block 500 with few barrels added from block 510. 

2017 La Storia Estate Merlot: Gold Medal

2017 Ehlers Estate Merlot

2017 Ehlers Estate Merlot by Ehlers Estate is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2017 Ehlers Estate Merlot is a beautifully balanced wine. 2017 Ehlers Estate Merlot has a red garnet color with deep layers. It carries aromas of raspberries, red currant, and candied cherries that evolve into vanilla, licorice, and notes of smashed rocks. The oak notes accentuate the red fruit which makes it fragrant and interesting.  This wine is medium to full-bodied, with bright acidity and firm tannins. The finish is long and full of candied cherries. 2017 Ehlers Estate Merlot is enjoyable now, but lovely in 10-15 years.

2017 Ehlers Estate Merlot: Gold Medal

2017 Melange

Melange by Narmada Winery is made with the classic Bordeaux grapes - Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. It has a rich deep mahogany color with reminiscent aromas of black fruits and cedar. On the palate, this wine has deep black cherry plum and cassis notes are etched with nuances of spices. Nice tannin and vibrant acidity of Melange contribute to the lingering, well-structured finish.

FOOD PAIRING: Lamb Rogan Josh; Seared Duck Breast with Caramelized Turnips; and Portobello Mushroom "Steak" with Lentils, Smoked Paprika, and Garlic Cream.  

2017 Melange: Silver Medal.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your hands on these amazing merlots now!