Merlot is a popular red wine that is enjoyed all over the world, and it is known for its smooth, velvety texture and fruity flavours. But did you know that South Africa is one of the top producers of Merlot in the world? In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Merlot in South Africa, its history, and discuss the differences between it and other popular wine varietals.

What is Merlot?

Have you been wondering, ‘What is Merlot wine?’ This varietal is a red wine made from the Merlot grape, which is a dark blue-coloured grape variety. It is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world and is used to make numerous wines, including the single varietal, as well as blends with other grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

The varietal is known for its soft, velvety texture and flavours of dark fruits such as plum, blackberry, and cherry. It is a medium-bodied wine with a moderate level of tannins, making it easy to drink and pair with a variety of foods.

Merlot in South Africa

South Africa is the eighth-largest producer of wine in the world, and this variety is one of the top red grapes grown in the country. It is mainly grown in the Western Cape region, which is known for its ideal climate and terroir for grape growing.

The Origin

The earliest documented reference to Merlot (referred to as Merlau) dates back to 1784 when a Bordeaux official noted it as one of the finest wines from the Libournais region. The term “Merlot” itself appeared in 1824 in an article on Médoc wine, attributing the grape’s name to the local black bird (referred to as merlau in the regional Occitan language and merle in standard French) known for consuming ripe grapes on the vine. 

Further accounts from the 19th century identified the grape variety as “lou seme doù flube” (“the seedling from the river”), suggesting its origins on one of the islands in the Garonne River.

History in South Africa

The varietal was first introduced to South Africa in the late 19th century by French Huguenot settlers, yet it was not until the 1980s that this grape gained popularity in the country due to the efforts of winemakers who saw the potential of the grape and started producing high-quality wines.

Pinotage vs Merlot

Pinotage is another popular red wine grape variety grown in South Africa. It is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, and it is often compared to Merlot; however, there are some key differences between the two.

Pinotage is known for its earthy, smoky flavours, while Merlot is known for its fruity flavours. Pinotage also tends to have a higher level of tannins and a more robust body. Both wines pair well with similar foods, but Pinotage may be a better match for heartier dishes.

Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are two of the most popular red wine grape varieties in the world. They are often blended together, but they also make excellent single varietal wines. But what sets them apart?

Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its bold, tannic structure and flavours of blackcurrant, while Merlot is known for its softer, more approachable tannins and flavours of dark fruits. Cabernet Sauvignon also tends to have a longer ageing potential.

Merlot vs Shiraz

Shiraz, also known as Syrah, is another popular red wine grape variety grown in South Africa which is often compared to Merlot, but they have distinct differences.

Shiraz is known for its bold, spicy flavours and full-bodied structure, while Merlot is known for its softer, fruit-forward flavours and medium body. Shiraz also tends to have a higher level of tannins..

Is Merlot Sweet or Dry?

This varietal is widely recognised as a dry wine variety, indicating that it possesses a notably low quantity of residual sugar content. Despite this characteristic, it distinguishes itself from other dry red wines by granting the palate a nuanced experience with a touch of mild sweetness, seamlessly integrated within its intricate flavour profile, predominantly characterised by its luscious fruit notes.

What Makes This Varietal in South Africa Unique?

The unique terroir of South Africa plays a significant role in the production of the wines of this varietal. The country’s warm climate and diverse soils, including granite, shale, and sandstone, create a perfect environment for the grape to thrive.

South African Merlot wines are known for their ripe, juicy fruit flavours and smooth tannins. They also tend to have a slightly higher alcohol content compared to this varietal grown in wine regions worldwide, giving them a fuller body and more intense flavours.

Wine Tasting Notes

This variety offers more than just smoothness. It possesses a versatile nature, influenced partly by its vinification process and largely by its terroir and regardless of its origin, certain characteristics are consistently present.

In cooler climates, this varietal presents fresh red plum and cherry notes, while in warmer regions, it showcases baked blackberry and fruitcake aromas. Exceptional examples from various regions exhibit vanilla and spice aromas derived from oak ageing. With age, this varietal develops chocolatey, meaty, and tobacco nuances.

On the palate, it is notably smooth compared to its close relative, Cabernet Sauvignon. Warmer climates generally produce smoother tannins, higher alcohol content, and a fuller body. This varietal also boasts refreshing acidity without being excessively sharp.

Food and Wine Pairing

This varietal, renowned for its versatility, has garnered much admiration for its ability to harmoniously pair with an eclectic range of delectable foods. This wine, boasting a velvety and refined texture, is splendidly complemented by its fruity and luscious flavours, rendering it a remarkable and apt companion for an array of gastronomic delights. 

Savoury culinary creations, such as succulent roasted chicken, delectably grilled pork, and pasta topped with tomato-based sauces, find their ideal accompaniment in the delightful symphony of flavours presented by this varietal. 

Not only does this varietal excel at enhancing the taste experience of these aforementioned dishes, but it also pairs perfectly with a diverse selection of cheeses, comprising the rich and creamy brie, the subtly nutty gouda, and the sharp and tangy cheddar.

Bonnievale Wines

Our Bonnievale The River Collection Merlot 2021 is smooth and velvety. The 2021 vintage exudes an aroma rich in unmistakable red and blackberry fruit, complemented by delightful hints of vanilla cream. These characteristics emerge on the palate and linger in a gratifying finish.

While this wine is sumptuous when enjoyed on its own, it complements red meat dishes such as beef stew and steak, as well as grilled chicken.

Visit Bonnievale Wines

Set against a scenic backdrop, Bonnievale Wines provides a captivating setting for a delightful wine tasting adventure with your loved ones. We present two tasting options: a selection of 3 wines priced at R35.00 and a choice of 5 wines for R55. 

Additionally, we frequently showcase wine and chocolate pairings, but we recommend confirming availability when making a reservation. You can easily book your wine tasting experience through our website.

Our delicious Merlot wine price is R85.00 per bottle, and it is readily available to purchase from our online store. This makes it easy to try some of the best Merlot in South Africa at the click of a button.To stay updated on the latest events at Bonnievale Wines, be sure to connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. For inquiries or to discover more about our Merlot, don’t hesitate to contact us at 023 616 2795 or via email at info@bonnievalewines.co.za.