Cabernet Merlot Wine

2 weeks ago
Ricardo Pavoncello
9 minutes
Cabernet Merlot

Cabernet Merlot is a red wine blend that combines Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, two of the most widely cultivated and celebrated grape varieties in the world. This blend is known for its balance, structure, and complexity, making it a favourite among winemakers and consumers alike. Originating from Bordeaux, France, the combination of these two grapes has become popular globally, particularly in regions such as Australia, California, Chile, and South Africa.

Cabernet Sauvignon contributes tannins, acidity, and deep black fruit flavours, while Merlot adds softness, fruitiness, and a velvety texture. Together, they create a harmonious blend that varies depending on the proportion of each grape, the terroir, and winemaking techniques. Some versions highlight Cabernet Sauvignon’s boldness, whereas others emphasise Merlot’s approachability.

Due to its structured profile and vibrant flavours, Cabernet Merlot pairs well with a wide variety of foods, including red meats, hearty pasta dishes, and aged cheeses. It can be aged for several years, allowing its flavours to develop greater depth and complexity over time.

Table of Contents

  1. Etymology and Pronunciation
  2. History and Origin
  3. Wine-Making Process
    • 3.1 Terroir and Regional Influences
    • 3.2 Harvesting and Fermentation
    • 3.3 Maceration and Ageing
    • 3.4 Blending and Bottling
  4. Key Ingredients
  5. Varieties
  6. Notable Brands
  7. Sensory Profile
  8. Serving Recommendations
  9. Food Pairings
  10. Awards and Recognition
  11. Health and Consumption
  12. References and Links

1. Etymology and Pronunciation of Cabernet Merlot

The term Cabernet Merlot derives from the names of its two constituent grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Both names have French origins, as they are primarily associated with the Bordeaux wine region.

  • Cabernet is believed to have originated from the Latin capra, meaning “goat”, likely referencing its hardy vines that thrive in challenging terrains.
  • Merlot comes from the French word merle, meaning “blackbird”, possibly due to the dark blue hue of the grapes or the birds’ fondness for them.

The pronunciation of Cabernet Merlot follows standard French phonetics:

  • Cabernet: Cab-er-nay /ˈkæb.ɚ.neɪ/
  • Merlot: Mer-low /ˈmɝː.loʊ/

Although Merlot has a silent “t” in French, English speakers sometimes pronounce it differently, particularly in non-French-speaking regions.

2. History and Origin of Cabernet Merlot Wine

The Cabernet Merlot blend is deeply rooted in the history of Bordeaux winemaking, where the art of blending grape varieties has been refined over centuries. Bordeaux, located in southwest France, has long been regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious wine regions. The success of this blend stems from the region’s ability to cultivate grapes with distinct yet complementary characteristics.

Early Beginnings in Bordeaux

Viticulture in Bordeaux dates back to Roman times, with records of winemaking in the region as early as the 1st century AD. However, it was not until the Middle Ages that Bordeaux wines gained international recognition. The region’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean made it a hub for trade, allowing its wines to be exported across Europe. During the 12th century, the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to King Henry II of England strengthened Bordeaux’s trade relations with England, leading to a surge in demand for its wines.

At the time, Bordeaux wines were primarily produced from Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Cabernet Sauvignon, the backbone of modern Bordeaux blends, did not gain prominence until the 18th century. It is believed to have originated from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, resulting in a grape with bold tannins, acidity, and dark fruit flavours.

The Rise of the Cabernet Merlot Wine Blend

By the 18th and 19th centuries, Bordeaux winemakers began blending Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to create wines that were both structured and approachable. The Left Bank of Bordeaux, which includes regions such as Médoc and Graves, favoured Cabernet Sauvignon due to its affinity for the region’s gravelly soils. In contrast, the Right Bank, home to Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, focused more on Merlot, which thrived in the area’s clay and limestone soils.

Blending Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot allowed winemakers to mitigate vintage variations and create wines with both power and elegance. This practice was formalised during the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, which ranked the top châteaux in the Médoc and confirmed the dominance of Cabernet Sauvignon in prestigious wines such as Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Margaux, and Château Latour. However, even these estates often included Merlot in their blends to add suppleness.

Cabernet Merlot Wine: It’s Global Expansion and New World Influence

The success of the Bordeaux blend did not remain confined to France. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the style had spread to other wine-producing nations. In California, Napa Valley winemakers began experimenting with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, leading to the rise of Bordeaux-style blends in the United States. Robert Mondavi, one of Napa’s pioneering winemakers, played a crucial role in popularising the blend with wines like Opus One, a collaboration with Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild.

Australia, particularly the Margaret River region, also embraced the blend, producing wines with a distinct balance of fruit ripeness and structure. South America, particularly Chile’s Maipo Valley, became a major producer of Cabernet Merlot wines, often showcasing a more fruit-forward style due to the region’s warm climate.

Today, Cabernet Merlot remains one of the most celebrated and widely produced red wine blends, with expressions ranging from Old World elegance to New World opulence.

3. Wine-Making Process

3.1 Terroir and Regional Influences

Terroir plays a crucial role in defining the character of Cabernet Merlot. The soil composition, climate, and vineyard location influence grape ripening, acidity, and tannin structure.

  • Bordeaux, France: Limestone and gravelly soils enhance structure and minerality.
  • Napa Valley, USA: Warm days and cool nights produce rich, fruit-forward wines.
  • Margaret River, Australia: Maritime climate balances acidity and ripeness.
  • Maipo Valley, Chile: High-altitude vineyards contribute freshness and elegance.

3.2 Harvesting and Fermentation

Harvesting occurs when sugar levels and acidity reach optimal balance. Grapes are hand-picked or machine-harvested, depending on the winery’s approach. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel or oak barrels, with temperature control ensuring optimal flavour extraction.

3.3 Maceration and Ageing

Maceration involves soaking grape skins in the fermenting juice, extracting colour, tannins, and aromas. Ageing occurs in oak barrels or stainless steel, influencing the wine’s complexity. French oak imparts subtle spice, while American oak contributes vanilla and coconut notes.

3.4 Blending and Bottling

Winemakers carefully blend Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to achieve the desired balance. Some blends favour Cabernet’s structure, while others highlight Merlot’s approachability. After blending, the wine is bottled and often aged further before release.

4. Key Ingredients in Cabernet Merlot Wine

The Cabernet Merlot blend consists primarily of two grape varieties:

  • Cabernet Sauvignon – Provides tannins, acidity, structure, and flavours of blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco.
  • Merlot – Contributes softness, fruitiness, and flavours of plum, red cherry, and chocolate.

Influence of Barrel Usage

A key factor in shaping the profile of Cabernet Merlot wines is the use of oak barrels during ageing. French oak is commonly used for its subtle influence, imparting notes of vanilla, spice, and toast. Some winemakers opt for American oak, which adds richer flavours of coconut and caramel. The ageing process also affects tannin integration and overall complexity.

5. Varieties of Cabernet Merlot Wine

Different proportions of Cabernet and Merlot create distinct styles. Some regions emphasise Cabernet’s boldness, while others favour Merlot’s elegance. Notable styles include:

  • Left Bank Bordeaux-style: Cabernet-dominant, structured and age-worthy.
  • Right Bank Bordeaux-style: Merlot-dominant, fruitier and more approachable.
  • New World expressions: Often riper, with pronounced fruit and softer tannins.

6. Cabernet Merlot Wine: Notable Brands

Prominent producers include:

7. Sensory Profile

Cabernet Merlot exhibits aromas of blackcurrant, plum, cherry, cedar, and tobacco. Tannins provide structure, while acidity ensures freshness.

8. Serving Recommendations

Serve at 16-18°C in a large red wine glass. Decanting enhances aromas and softens tannins.

9. How to Food Pair Cabernet Merlot Wine

Cabernet Merlot is a versatile wine that pairs well with a wide range of dishes due to its balance of fruitiness, acidity, and tannins.

Red Meat and Game Pairings

  • Beef: Cabernet Merlot complements grilled ribeye, filet mignon, and slow-braised short ribs due to its tannic structure, which cuts through the richness of marbled meat.
  • Lamb: The wine’s herbal undertones work exceptionally well with roast lamb with rosemary or lamb shanks in red wine sauce.
  • Game Meats: Venison, wild boar, and duck benefit from the bold structure of Cabernet Merlot, particularly when prepared with berry-based sauces.

Pasta and Vegetarian Dishes

  • Tomato-Based Pasta: The acidity of Cabernet Merlot complements dishes like pasta Bolognese, lasagne, or eggplant Parmesan.
  • Mushroom Risotto: The earthy notes in both the wine and dish create a harmonious pairing.
  • Lentil and Bean Stews: Hearty, umami-rich dishes enhance the wine’s dark fruit and savoury notes.

Cheese Pairings

  • Hard Cheeses: Aged cheddar, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Comté pair well with the structured tannins.
  • Soft Cheeses: Creamy cheeses like Brie and Camembert can balance the wine’s acidity and fruitiness.

Spicy and International Cuisine

  • Barbecue: The smoky, caramelised flavours of grilled meats enhance the oak and fruit notes in the wine.
  • Chinese Cuisine: Dishes like Peking duck or hoisin-glazed pork match the wine’s sweetness and spice.
  • Middle Eastern Spices: Lamb kebabs with cumin, coriander, and cinnamon pair beautifully with the wine’s complexity.

10. Awards and Recognition

Cabernet Merlot blends have received numerous accolades from international wine competitions and publications. Some of the most notable awards include:

Bordeaux Wines

  • Château Margaux 2015 – 100 points, Wine Advocate
  • Château Pétrus 2000 – 98 points, Decanter Magazine
  • Château Haut-Brion 2016 – Best Bordeaux Blend, International Wine Challenge

New World Cabernet Merlot Wines

  • Opus One 2018 (Napa Valley, USA) – Platinum Award, Decanter World Wine Awards
  • Vasse Felix Cabernet Merlot 2019 (Margaret River, Australia) – Gold Medal, International Wine & Spirit Competition
  • Don Melchor Cabernet Merlot 2017 (Chile) – 97 points, Wine Spectator

Recent Trends and Industry Recognition

Cabernet Merlot continues to receive praise for its ability to age gracefully. Many wine critics, including Jancis Robinson and James Suckling, consider well-made Bordeaux blends among the finest red wines in the world. Prestigious wine auctions, such as those held at Sotheby’s, frequently feature rare Cabernet Merlot vintages, fetching thousands of pounds per bottle.

11. Health and Consumption

Red wine contains antioxidants like resveratrol, which may support heart health. However, excessive consumption can have adverse effects.

Author

  • Ricardo Pavoncello

    Ricardo Pavoncello is an experienced article writer and a recognised expert in wine, beer, and spirits. With a deep understanding of the complexities of alcoholic beverages, Ricardo has spent years exploring and writing about the latest trends, industry developments, and the art of tasting. His work is well-regarded for its insightful analysis, expert recommendations, and ability to make complex topics accessible to both enthusiasts and professionals. Whether delving into the history of a particular spirit or reviewing the latest craft beer, Ricardo brings passion and expertise to every article he writes.