Merlot Red Wine Buy in the Online-Shop of the Wine Estate
Grape Variety Merlot – Fruity Harmony
Merlot is an internationally widespread red grape variety of French origin, with its home in the Bordeaux region. There it is one of the defining grape varieties and is frequently used as a component of classic red wine cuvées.
In German viticulture, Merlot is still comparatively rare, but its importance is steadily increasing. In 2008, we decided to plant this demanding grape variety in a suitable site.
Merlot produces fruity, harmonious red wines with a soft structure. It is one of our {link:off-dry}off-dry wines{/link}, meaning it has a subtle touch of sweetness that supports the fruit and gives the wine a particularly balanced character.
In the glass, the wine shows a clear, vibrant ruby red colour. On the palate, it is well balanced, with fine fruit notes often accompanied by nuances of ripe plum and a mild acidity. These characteristics make Merlot a smooth, rounded red wine.
As a food companion, Merlot is highly versatile. Its unobtrusive fruit harmonises well with meat and game dishes, Italian cuisine, cheese or a cold supper.
Merlot Sites at Weingut Fuchs
The Merlot vines grow in a sheltered, very fertile site in the Dalsheimer “Sauloch” in the Rheinhessen part of the estate.
The site provides the warmth Merlot requires and a sufficiently long growing season, allowing the grapes to ripen fully and develop their typical fruit character.
Facts About the Red Grape Variety Merlot
Origin of Merlot
Merlot originates from the French Bordeaux region, where it is one of the three most important red grape varieties. In France, Merlot is often used as a blending partner in traditional cuvées and is more rarely vinified as a single-varietal wine.
The name Merlot is thought to derive from the French word “merle”, meaning blackbird, as these birds are said to have a particular fondness for the sweet Merlot grapes.
Characteristics of the Variety
Merlot places high demands on site and climate. Due to its early budburst, the variety is susceptible to late frost and is also not particularly winter-hardy. As a result, only the very best, sheltered and warm sites are suitable for its cultivation. Merlot vines also prefer lighter soils that ensure adequate water supply.
The variety requires a long growing season, as its grapes ripen late. The berries are medium-sized and round, with thin, dark blue skins and pale flesh. When fully ripe, they produce fruit-driven red wines with mild acidity and a soft structure.
Price per bottle (0.75 l) incl. 19% VAT plus shipping fees
Merlot Off-Dry, Histamine-Certified
Nutritional Values + Ingredients
100 ml contain on avarage
Calorific value
325 kJ (78 kcal)
Carbohydrates
2.7 g
of which sugar
1.8 g
Contains negligible quantities of fats, saturates, proteins and salt.
Ingredients: grapes, saccharose, antioxidants: sulfites, bottled in a protective atmosphere.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Merlot
What does Merlot mean in red wine?
Merlot refers to a red grape variety. In many countries, the name either stands for a single-varietal Merlot or for a red wine in which Merlot plays an important role as a grape variety.
Is Merlot dry or sweet?
Merlot can be vinified in different styles, ranging from dry to sweet. Our Merlot is off-dry, with a subtle touch of sweetness that supports the fruit without making the wine taste sweet.
What characterises a Merlot?
Merlot is typically characterised by its fruity style and soft structure. Ripe fruit notes, often with nuances of plum, are common, accompanied by mild acidity and a harmonious overall impression.
Why does Merlot go well with food?
Merlot goes well with food because it is fruity yet unobtrusive and supports dishes without dominating them.
Is Merlot a light wine?
Merlot is generally not considered a light wine, but rather a well-balanced red wine with medium body. Its soft structure and mild acidity often make it feel more approachable and less austere than more full-bodied red wines.
“Als langjähriger Kunde haben mich die Produkte des Weingutes Fuchs sehr überzeugt. Der Versecco dry hat meine Gäste voll überzeugt. Der alte Weinbrand ist ein Genuss. Wir können das Weingut Fuchs nur weiterempfehlen..”
