California Merlot

Merlot is known for its soft, approachable and luscious character. The wine is typically dry, medium- to full-bodied and has moderate acidity. Depending on where it is grown, Merlot’s flavors may include notes of herbs, black fruits and baking spices. Of California table wines sold in U.S. food stores, Merlot is the third-leading red wine after Cabernet Sauvignon and red blends.

Brought to California in the mid-19th century, Merlot is one of the principal winegrape varieties of the Bordeaux region in France. Historically, vintners have used Merlot as a blending grape to soften a wine, usually combined with Cabernet Sauvignon. Because Merlot tannins are typically more moderate than those of Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine tends to mature earlier. The majority of California’s Merlot vines are planted in Lodi/San Joaquin County, followed by Napa, Sonoma and Monterey counties.