November 7 is International Merlot Day! And while we certainly don’t need a special occasion to enjoy a glass of Merlot, there is no better time to shine the spotlight on the second most planted winemaking grape in the world, covering roughly 650,000 acres globally.

Merlot’s popularity can in large part be attributed to its approachable and crowd-pleasing style. Due to its thinner skin, Merlot has naturally lower tannin levels than its counterparts, making it a smoother and more accessible wine. Typically medium-to-full bodied on the palate with mellow tannins, moderate acidity, and often described as supple and round with a soft texture. The flavour profile can vary based on where the grapes are grown but generally the wines are quite fruit-forward, offering flavours of black cherry, blackberry, plum, and black currant often accompanied by notes of chocolate and baking spice. Merlot can produce luscious and velvety single varietal wines, but its smoothness lends it to be frequently used in blends. In fact, Merlot is an ideal blending grape for its unique ability to tame the more austere tannins of other varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, adding softness and lushness to the wine.

The origins of Merlot can be traced back to the late 1700s in the Bordeaux region of France. Merlot means ‘little blackbird’ (merle) in French, which is either referencing the grape’s skin colour resembling the bird’s blue-black plumage or the birds’ fondness for eating the grapes. Merlot is a cross between Cabernet Franc and an obscure varietal by the name of Magdeleine Noire de Charentes, making it a half-sibling to Cabernet Sauvignon (cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc). In Bordeaux, more acres are devoted to Merlot than any other varietal, covering just over 60% of the region’s vineyards. The majority of Bordeaux wines are blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but they can also contain varying combinations of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Wines from the Right Bank of Bordeaux are Merlot dominant as the varietal finds its best expression in its clay and limestone soils. But Merlot is an adaptable grape that can thrive in a variety of soils and climates. Today it is grown in many winemaking regions across the world, most notably Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, California, and Canada (Ontario and BC).

In Ontario, after Cabernet Franc, Merlot is the second most planted red grape variety. This cultivar is considered the most cold-sensitive of the Bordeaux reds and is only recommended for planting in the best locations to reduce threat of cold temperature injury. (Source: Grape Growers of Ontario). The Niagara-on-the-Lake appellation is a suitable region for growing Merlot, as our vineyards benefit from the sheltering effect of the Niagara Escarpment and proximity to the waters of Lake Ontario and the Niagara River which help moderate temperatures throughout the region reducing the risk of late spring and early fall frosts. The warmer temperatures and longer growing season help ensure optimal grape ripeness at maturity. Merlots from the Niagara-on-the-Lake appellation offer a plush texture while still retaining a good level of acidity and preserving the freshness of the fruit. Many of our wineries produce a Merlot and/or Bordeaux style blend (often labelled Meritage), so there are plenty of options to choose from. 

If you are looking for a special bottle to enjoy on International Merlot day, below are some wonderful options from the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery, 2016 Bourbon Barrel Aged Merlot, $59.95 - Characterized by lush notes of cassis, pepper and spice. The concentrated flavours and rich tannins made this wine ideal for a unique finishing process, where it was aged in small batch Kentucky bourbon barrels to deliver well integrated notes of vanilla and butterscotch. This wine was carefully crafted with only 500 cases released.

Konzelmann Estate Winery, 2018 Merlot Reserve, $24.95 - “Elegant and Complex” are two words used to describe the Reserve Series wines and this Merlot is no exception. Aged in French oak barrels for 6 months, expect notes of baking spices along with black currant and dark chocolate on the nose. The palate is fruit forward with smooth tannins and balanced acidity.

Palatine Hills Estate Winery, 2017 Wild & Free Meritage, $29.95 - The first of four releases in Palatine Hills' new Wild & Free series, this blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning example of a Niagara Bordeaux. Aged for fourteen months in French and American oak barrels, this haunting Merlot-dominant blend offers tell-tale aromas of chocolate, blackberry and baking spice.

Pondview Estate Winery, 2016 Cabernet Merlot Reserve, $24.95 – This medium-bodied blend of 40% Merlot, 30% Cab Sauvignon and 30% Cab Franc, was aged in French oak barrels for 12 months. The hot and dry conditions of the remarkable 2016 vintage produced luscious fruits which explode with coffee, chocolate and dark berries. Nothing short of spectacular!

Reif Estate Winery, 2017 Merlot Reserve, $29.95 - Earthy notes lead you into the ripeness of plum, blackberry and black currant. Well-rounded with soft velvety tannins characteristic of this variety with a fruit finish that is lasting and enduring. Enjoy with slow roasted prime rib, lamb, ratatouille or stuffed peppers.

Riverview Cellars Estate Winery, 2017 Merlot, $19.95 - This wine displays flavours of blackberry, cherry and vanilla. It continues with a lingering smoky note on the finish. The wine was aged in new American and French oak barrels for 12 months. Pair with beef stew to warm the soul.

Strewn Winery, 2016 Meritage Canadian Oak, $24 - This unique, small lot wine is a classic Bordeaux blend of 50% Merlot and 25% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.  The crisp acidity balances with aromas and flavours of berries and cherries, herbal notes, chocolate, tobacco and toasty oak. The finish is long and smooth. Meritage was aged for 17 months in eight Canadian oak barrels.

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