Merlot

Merlot products

Merlot wine is, of course, just one of the many excellent Valais red wines that we offer. In our online shop, you will also find a wide selection of white wines, rosé wines, sparkling wines and digestifs.

If you are looking for a gift, we recommend, for example, the various tasting boxes from our gift service or a gift voucher that allows the recipient to choose freely from our online shop.

The most important information at a glance

• Merlot is the second most important grape variety in the world after Cabernet Sauvignon (290,000 hectares of cultivation area).
• The Merlot grape variety originates from Bordeaux, France, and was created by crossing the Cabernet Franc and Magdeleine Noire des Charentes varieties; the name is derived from the blackbird (in French ‘merle’).
• Merlot wines are known for their fruity aroma, low tannins and acidity; they are well suited for blending, especially with Cabernet Sauvignon, and go well with a variety of foods, including meat and savoury dishes.

Origin, sources and meaning of the name Merlot

The Merlot grape, like many other excellent grape varieties, comes from France, more precisely from Bordelais, a region in the southwest of France. The first written mention and thus the proof of its origin can be found in Bordeaux in the 14th century. Called Crabatut noir, it was rather a secondary variety among the grape varieties.

Today, it owes its name to a widespread songbird, the blackbird. The birds are called ‘merle’ in French and are said to love to snack on the fruit of this red grape variety. As early as 1784, the grape variety was called Merlot.

The importance of Merlot: a grape variety appreciated worldwide

Merlot is the second most important grape variety worldwide, behind Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard area covers almost 270,000 hectares. In France, the area under Merlot has increased dramatically from 16,975 hectares in 1958 to 114,578 hectares in 2018, demonstrating the significant growth of this grape variety.

The popularity of Merlot continues to grow, especially among younger consumers. This is mainly due to its refreshing character, which contributes to the growth of the premium and luxury wine market. In the United States, which led the global wine market in 2022 with sales of $52.7 billion, Merlot plays a crucial role.

The role of Cabernet Franc and Magdeleine Noire des Charentes

It is interesting to note that the Merlot grape variety is a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Magdeleine Noire des Charentes. This underlines the deep roots and rich history of this world-famous grape variety, including the Merlot Blanc variety.

Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon – the most famous wine comes from Bordeaux

Château Petrus is a familiar name for every wine connoisseur: the Pomerol in Bordeaux is the most famous and most expensive pure Merlot in the world. However, Merlot grapes are also suitable for refining and harmonising other varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon is a suitable partner here.

Merlot wines also harmonise well with oak tannins and are suitable for maturing in barriques. Interestingly, there is also a rare variety called Merlot blanc, a natural cross between Merlot and the white grape variety Folle Blanche, which is a rarity in cultivation.

Merlot growing areas worldwide

Merlot is cultivated worldwide. The grape variety can be found in South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, the USA, Germany, Hungary, in various regions of France, as well as in Austria and Italy.

The key regions for growing Merlot include:

• France (the best Merlot reds come from Saint-Émilion and especially from Pomerol, such as Pétrus and Le Pin. But the diversity of Merlot is impressive and extends to various wine regions worldwide)
• Italy
• Spain
• California
• Chile
• Argentina
• Australia
• warmer regions of Germany such as the Palatinate and Rheinhessen

Each of these regions brings its own unique characteristics and styles to the production, resulting in an impressive variety of Merlot wines.

Merlot red wines – gilded in Salgesch

Grapes grow in all 26 cantons of Switzerland. Valais is the largest wine-growing canton, covering a third of Switzerland's wine-growing area with 4,732 hectares. Around 60 per cent of this is used to produce red wines. With 147 hectares of vineyards, Valais is the second largest producer of Merlot red wine after Ticino (879 hectares). The history of Merlot in Salgesch began in 1930.

With six gold medals (Mondial du Merlot), the ‘Merlot Nadia Mathier’ from the Adrian & Diego Mathier Nouveau Salquenen winery is a top-quality wine of the highest quality. The importance of the Valais region for Merlot production underlines its role as a key region for wine production.

Characteristics of the Merlot grape: growth, ripening and yield

The following characteristics distinguish Merlot:

• moderate to strong growth
• tendency to produce many water shoots and suckers
• requires a well-developed canopy due to its semi-upright to horizontal growth habit
• has good fertility
• is therefore preferably treated with short pruning.
  

The Merlot grapes ripen moderately late, about two to two and a half weeks after the reference variety, Chasselas. Merlot often tends to produce high yields, but is somewhat sensitive to winter and spring frosts.

For growth, the Merlot variety prefers loamy, calcareous soils and shows moderate to strong growth. A temperate climate with sufficient sunshine is ideal, as Merlot is sensitive to frost and needs enough sun during ripening.

Flavour profile of Merlot: aromas, tannins and acidity

Merlot red wines often have a fruity flavour profile with notes of:

• plums
• cherries
• dark berries
• black cherries
• blackberries

Wines made from this grape variety are characterised by a velvety texture and low tannin presence, are soft and smooth on the palate and often medium to full-bodied. Dolcetto Fiano is an example of such wines.

These wines, especially reds, are round and robust with relatively low acidity, making for a balanced and enjoyable drinking experience. With age, Merlot reds can develop complex flavours and take on an even softer texture, especially if aged in oak barrels.

What are the synonyms for Merlot?

There are over 60 synonyms, which is a testament to its worldwide popularity. Alicante, Alicante Noir, Begney, Bidal, Bidalhe, Bidney, Bignay, Bigney, Bigney Rouge, Bini, Bini Ruzh, Bioney, Black Alicante, Bordeleza Belcha, Bordeleze Belcha, Cabernet Del Cleto, Crabutet, Crabutet Noir, Crabutet Noir, Merlau, Ferjansckova, Hebigney, Higney, Higney Rouge, Lambrusco Munari, Langon, Lecchumskij, Medoc Noir, Merlan, Merlau, Merlau Rouge, Merlaud, Merlaut, Merlaut Noir, Merle, Merle Petite, Merleau, Merlo, Merlo (Italien), Merlot, Merlot Black, Merlot Blau, Merlot Blauer, Merlot Crni, Merlot Nero, Merlott, Merlou, Odzalesi, Odzhaleshi, Odz haleshi Legkhumskii, Petit Merle, Picard, Pikard, Plan Medre, Planet Medok, Plant Du Fleuve, Plant Du Medoc, Plant Medoc, Plant Medre, Saint Macaire, Seme De La Canau, Seme Dou Flube, Semilhon Rouge, Semilhoum Rouge, Semilhoun Rouge, Semillon Rouge, Sud Des Graves, Vidal, Vini Ticinesi, Vitraelle, Vitrai, Vitraille

Merlot in blends and coupage: the perfect addition

In the Bordeaux region, the Merlot variety forms the basis for world-famous red wine cuvées, such as those from Château Charmail Haut Medoc, Château Cantemerle Grand Cru and Château Chante Alouette Grand Cru, particularly in combination with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The addition of Merlot to cuvées generally makes wines more accessible earlier, but this can affect the long-term ageing potential of the red wine.

Cabernet Sauvignon has proven to be the best partner for Merlot in the form of classic Bordeaux blends, with Merlot enhancing the accessibility of these wines. But Merlot is also often blended outside France, in Italy, for example, with Sangiovese, to create regionally typical wines.

Merlot and food: the best combinations

Merlot reds go extremely well with meat dishes and, with their aromas of wild berries, spices and chocolate, are a harmonious accompaniment to a sirloin steak, for example. But vegetarian options are not neglected either. Merlot is particularly suitable for savoury vegetable casseroles.

Aged Merlots with mild tannins go well with firm, salty cheeses such as Manchego, Emmental or Parmesan. In general, Merlot wines harmonise well with strong, aromatic dishes without drowning them out, creating a balance on the palate as a companion to a meal.

Merlot in alternative wine styles: rosé, blanc and more

Rosé wines can be made from Merlot grapes, using methods such as direct pressing. Another method of rosé production is maceration, which is often used in regions such as Provence.

Another approach to rosé production is the saignée method, in which the juice is drawn off after a short period of contact with the skins and vinified separately. In addition, 20–25% of the Merlot harvest in Ticino is processed into white wine and sold as Bianco del Merlot.

Merlot Nadia Mathier – showered with gold as the number one

This wine has won more gold medals than any other at the Mondial du Merlot, the only Merlot competition in the world. The Merlot Nadia Mathier has won gold eleven times in twelve years – a unique achievement! The Merlot is grown on the limestone and slate terraces in Salgesch and Sitten. We impose strict restrictions on the Merlot yield, limiting it to 600 grams per square metre.

After the harvest, the grapes are fermented in Vinimatic tanks, which allow for optimal temperature control. Incidentally, a Vinimatic is a closed fermentation tank with rotating blades that are cooled with water from the outside. Vinimatic tanks are used to maximise the extraction of the valuable grape juice during maceration. After fermentation, the Merlot Nadia Mathier is aged for 15 to 18 months in new French barriques.

Our selection of award-winning Merlot wines

Merlot Les Pyramides AOC VS

Merlot Nadia Mathier AOC VS

Interesting facts about Merlot

Where does the Merlot grape originally come from?

The Merlot grape originally comes from the Bordeaux region in France. Nowadays, however, it is cultivated worldwide, including in Italy, the United States, Australia, Chile and South Africa.

Why is Merlot so popular?

Merlot is very popular with younger consumers due to its refreshing character and versatility, and it also contributes to the growth of the premium and luxury wine market.

What are the characteristic flavours of Merlot wines?

The characteristic flavours of Merlot wines are often fruity, with notes of plum, cherry and dark berries, such as black cherry and blackberry.

What foods go well with Merlot?

Merlot goes well with meat dishes, savoury vegetable casseroles and firm, salty cheeses.

Can Merlot be used to make other wine styles?

Yes, Merlot can be used to make rosé and white wines, such as Bianco del Merlot, also known as Merlot blanc or blanc de Merlot in French.