Like Chardonnay, Merlot is perhaps overrated and pretty well ubiquitous. On the other hand, Merlot makes a nice soft, round and silky easy-drinking wine. Merlot is often a blending grape, adding softness and flavor to its big brother Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux reds. On is own, Merlot is somewhat neutral but can produce plump, juicy, almost sweet red wines. The tendency is often to over-oak these wines, which is a pity.

Merlot also comes from Bordeaux (France) but it is more associated with the Libornais, or "Right Bank". The regions of Pomerol and St. Emilion produce thebest examples of this grape. If you want to find the grape name on the label look to the Languedoc (France), United States, Chile, Italy, Canada, New Zealand, and Eastern Europe. They all produce good Merlot, and at more affordable prices.

What should Merlot smell like in the glass?

The Old World style (e.g. Pomerol) has aromas of plum, cocoa powder and mint