Often described as the “velvet glove” of red wines, Merlot is one of the world’s most beloved and approachable grape varieties. For those new to wine tasting, it serves as a perfect introduction to the world of reds. Its inherent softness and fruity character make it less intimidating than its bolder cousin, Cabernet Sauvignon. This guide will walk you through the fundamentals of tasting Merlot, helping you identify its key characteristics and articulate what you experience in the glass.

Step 1: The Look – Observing the Wine

Before you even take a sip, observe the wine in your glass. Tilt the glass against a white background to get a clear view.

• Color: Merlot typically displays a deep ruby red color, often with flashes of garnet or purple at the rim. Younger Merlots are brighter and more violet, while older vintages will show more brick-red or tawny hues.
• Viscosity: Gently swirl the wine and watch how the “legs” or “tears” stream down the side of the glass. Thicker, slower-moving legs can indicate a higher alcohol content and a fuller body.

Step 2: The Smell – Exploring the Aroma (The Nose)

Swirl the wine again to release its aromas, then take a gentle sniff. Don’t be afraid to put your nose right into the glass. What do you smell? Merlot is famous for its fruity and often plush bouquet.

• Primary Aromas (Fruit): Think of ripe, dark fruits. The most common notes are plum, black cherry, and raspberry. You might also detect hints of blueberry or blackberry.
• Secondary Aromas (From Winemaking): These can include notes of vanilla, cocoa, mocha, or cedar, which often come from aging in oak barrels.
• Tertiary Aromas (From Aging): In older Merlots, you might find more earthy or complex notes like leather, tobacco, or forest floor.

Step 3: The Taste – Savoring the Palate

Now, take a sip. Let the wine move across your palate. Pay attention to the different sensations.

• Fruit Flavors: The fruit notes you detected on the nose will often express themselves on the palate. Expect a wave of ripe plum and cherry.
• Body & Texture: This is where Merlot earns its “velvet” reputation. It typically has a medium to full body with a soft, round, and supple mouthfeel. The tannins (that drying sensation you get from red wine) are usually present but are much softer and smoother than in Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Acidity: Merlot has a medium level of acidity, which provides balance and keeps the wine from tasting flabby or overly jammy.
• Oak Influence: If the wine was oak-aged, you might taste sweet spices, chocolate, or a touch of vanilla that complements the fruit.

Step 4: The Finish – The Lasting Impression

The “finish” is the taste that remains after you swallow (or spit) the wine. A good Merlot will have a pleasant, lingering finish where the fruity and oaky flavors slowly fade. The length of the finish is often an indicator of the wine’s quality.

New World vs. Old World Merlot

Where the Merlot is from greatly influences its profile:

• New World (California, Chile, Australia): These Merlots are often riper, fruit-forward, and jammier, with pronounced notes of blackberry and blueberry, and a stronger influence of sweet oak (vanilla, mocha).
• Old World (Bordeaux, France; Northern Italy): These wines are typically more structured, earthy, and herbal. The fruit notes are often more restrained (think red cherry and plum), accompanied by flavors of tobacco, gravel, and dried herbs.

Your Tasting Journey Starts Now

The best way to learn is by doing. Grab a bottle, pour a glass, and go through these steps. There are no right or wrong answers—only what you perceive. Merlot’s friendly and complex nature makes it a delightful wine to explore, one sip at a time. Cheers!