![]() ![]() It is a classic medium-bodied red variety, loved for its smooth texture and ease of sipping. ![]() While sharing a similar flavour profile to their warm climate cousins, different varietal characters emerge – white pepper instead of black pepper, and red fruits rather than black – with more subdued herbaceous characters, resulting in wines are considered more restrained and even elegant in texture. Due to the grapes being exposed to less heat, their skins are thinner, reducing or softening the tannins in the wine. Such styles are considered the ‘classic’ expression of Australian Shiraz, made famous by Barossa Valley Shiraz – big-flavoured, plush and fruit-forward.Ĭool climate Merlot on the other hand ripens more gently, leading to wines that are generally more medium-bodied and savoury. Since Merlot grown in warmer climates ripens more readily, the resulting wines will tend to feature fuller, riper dark fruit flavours and be more full-bodied and luscious. The essential distinction between warm and cool climate Shiraz manifests in their differing textures, weight and flavour profiles. ![]() One of the most sensational aspects of Australian Merlot is that, when it comes to style, there are expressions for every taste. With its moderate-to-warm climate, the Hunter Valley produces Merlot that is medium-bodied and spicy (like its Shiraz), likewise Barossa’s climate brings out characters of cassis and plum.īEST AUSTRALIAN MERLOT REGIONS Moderate-to-warm climate Merlot regions The style of Merlot varies from region to region, with the climate and terroir a having huge influence on its characters. Today, Merlot remains one of the most popular red varieties with 8, 477HA planted to across Australia, however, it is mostly enjoyed as a blend. The Aussie wine scene saw tremendous growth and the influx of winemakers began expanding into new varietals.īy 2016, Australia was crushing 112,000 tonnes of Merlot grapes, growing from just 1000 tonnes crushed in 1987. Merlot kept a low profile for decades until the early 1990s. Merlot is rumoured to have first been planted in 1923, although its story officially kicks off in 1965 when Merlot grapes were imported from California, not France. Mouth-watering Merlot dates back to 1784 France, with the earliest reference coming from a note written by an official who used the term "merlau" to describe the best wines from the famed Bordeaux region. In 2011, a Château Petrus from the 1961 vintage sold at auction for a record high of AUD $189,000. Made from 100% Merlot grapes since 2010, this Bordeaux-produced wine is outstanding, with prices beginning at around $2,700 a bottle. Merlot is responsible for one of the most expensive wines in the world – Château Petrus. The best way to find your personal “best red wine” is to try a few different varieties from different regions, and make notes of any common characteristics from your favourites.WHAT ARE THE PROFILE CHARACTERS OF MERLOT?Īustralian Merlot is considered medium-bodied with medium tannins and is usually about 13% to 15% alcohol. ![]() Generally, a good wine will be well-balanced in acidity, tannin, alcohol and sweetness. Full-bodied wines have the highest tannins, which are those almost bitter, astringent flavours found in some wines. On the fuller end of the spectrum are wines that fill or coat the mouth more fully while lighter wines are generally lower in strength and are less intense. Wines also range from light, to medium, to full-bodied. Shiraz is known for its bold flavours while pinot noirs are considered more delicate and merlots are fruitier and spicier. There are different grape varieties and blends available, and those varieties will even have their own particularities depending on where they come from. Personal preference is also important - perhaps you’re more a fan of subtle flavours over punchier ones, or vice versa. A price tag isn’t always indicative of quality - you can find a great red without blowing the budget though there are certainly more expensive wines that any serious wine drinker would tell you is worth the investment. There’s a few different things to seek out in a good wine. Related: Best Australian white wines for summer (and every other season) What makes a good red wine? Below, we round up a handful of the best drops from the best Australian wineries - perfect to take to your next dinner party, to gift for a special occasion, or to keep for yourself. Australia may be best known for shiraz, but there’s something for every red wine drinker to enjoy, from bright pinots to sensual merlots. ![]()
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