A brief on Merlot & its imported brands in India

Merlot – The Crowd Pleaser Red

Merlot (pronounced “Mer Low”) is a crowd-pleasing red grape variety known for producing elegant and approachable wines that instantly connect with consumers.

These wines typically have moderate tannins and are known for plum, prune and fruit cake aromas depending on the region of origin. The grape is believed to take its name from the French “Merle” meaning blackbird.

Key Wine Regions

Merlot is best known for its role in Bordeaux blends, particularly in Pomerol, Saint-Émilion and Entre-Deux-Mers where it ripens earlier due to cooler conditions.

Outside France, Merlot gained popularity in the United States, especially California, where warmer climates produce softer wines with plum and fruit cake notes.

Chile produces fruit-forward Merlots in moderate climates, while Italy uses it in blends across Veneto and Tuscany. New Zealand and other cooler New World regions are steadily improving quality expressions.

Food Pairing

Merlot pairs well with pizzas, pasta in tomato sauce, grilled chicken, tuna, mushroom risotto and semi-hard cheeses. In Indian cuisine, it works with dishes like paneer tikka, dal vada, Amritsari macchi and chicken malai seekh.

Merlot – Brands in the Indian Market (Mumbai Prices)

A selection of Merlot wines available across the Indian retail and import market.

Australia

Jacob's Creek Classic — Rs 1500

Yellow Tail — Rs 2095

Chile

Carta Vieja — Rs 1446

Concha Y Toro “Frontera” — Rs 1590

Conosur Merlot Tocornal — Rs 1650

Monte Pacífico, Rapel Valley — Rs 1650

Mancura Etnia — Rs 1795

Carta Vieja Limited Release — Rs 1896

Concha Y Toro Reserva “Casillero del Diablo” — Rs 2150

France

Yvon Mau Merlot IGP — Rs 1720

Barton & Guestier Réserve — Rs 1850

Domaine Montrose — Rs 2099

Charles Rousseau — Rs 2100

Italy

Giacondi Casa — Rs 1199

Zonin Ventiterre — Rs 1590

Folonari — Rs 1600

Pasqua delle Venezie IGT — Rs 1770

Sensi Collezione — Rs 1980

Torresella IGT, Veneto — Rs 2000

Villa Sandi DOC — Rs 2200

Cont’ugo Bolgheri DOC — Rs 9950

New Zealand

Allan Scott Estate Bottled — Rs 2495

South Africa

MAN Family, Jan Fiskaal — Rs 1995

Niel Joubert — Rs 2100

USA

Grove Ridge — Rs 2200