In this next article in our Understanding Wine series, Sussex wine influencer Emma Hodges talks about all things Merlot:
If you’re a fan of Merlot, with its lush fruit flavours, smooth texture, and balanced tannins, you might enjoy these other red grape varieties that offer similar richness and approachability:
Malbec
- Flavour profile: Blackberry, plum, black cherry, cocoa.
- Why you’ll like it: Malbec shares Merlot’s dark fruit flavours but with a touch more intensity. It’s smooth and approachable, with soft tannins, making it great for those who enjoy Merlot’s easy-drinking nature but want a bit more depth.
Why not try?: Cèdre Héritage Malbec – available from Horsham Cellar.
Tempranillo
- Flavour profile: Cherry, plum, leather, vanilla.
- Why you’ll like it: Hailing from Spain, Tempranillo offers a similar smoothness to Merlot but with an added complexity from subtle spice and oak. It’s a fantastic alternative if you love Merlot’s red fruit flavours with an extra layer of warm spice.
Why not try?: Muga wines– available from Waitrose and Majestic.
Grenache
- Flavour profile: Red berry, cherry, white pepper, herbs.
- Why you’ll like it: Grenache brings vibrant red fruit and a touch of spiciness to the table, making it a fun alternative to Merlot’s smooth berry flavours. It has soft tannins and a medium body, perfect for fans of easy going reds.
Why not try?: Limit sur 2021– available from The Great Wine Co.
Zinfandel
- Flavour profile: Blackberry, blueberry, black pepper, liquorice.
- Why you’ll like it: Zinfandel brings juicy fruit flavours and a hint of spice, much like Merlot, but with added richness. It’s a great choice if you enjoy Merlot’s fruit-forward style and want something on the bolder side.
Why not try?: Amandla– available from Waitrose.
Carmenère
- Flavour profile: Red and blackberries, bell pepper, spice.
- Why you’ll like it: Similar in body and smoothness to Merlot, Carmenère often brings earthy, peppery notes along with juicy fruit, making it a complex and rewarding choice for Merlot fans.
Why not try?: Grey -Ventisquero– available from Cellier.
Each of these wines brings a twist on Merlot’s beloved characteristics, with options that range from silky and smooth to rich and layered, ready to elevate your wine experience!
Emma Hodges is an Accessibility and Inclusion Consultant and named #59 Top 100 Most Influential People in Drinks in 2024. You can find out more about her at EmmasWineTime.
