Many people think that Merlot makes wines that are “too supple and lifeless” and that it can only be made into a delicious wine when blended with Cabernet Sauvignon. But in fact, even without Cabernet Sauvignon, using only Merlot can produce high-quality wines with unique characteristics, and these wines are also sought after by wine lovers. This article will introduce you to the 10 best Merlot wines in the world.
1. Petrus, Pomerol, France
I believe many people have heard of the name of Chateau Petrus red wine. It is one of the most expensive and popular wines in the world. But did you know that this sky-high price wine, known as “one of France’s two major wine kings”, is made from Merlot? Although Petrus Winery (Petrus) also grows 5% Cabernet Franc in addition to Merlot grapes, because Cabernet Franc matures earlier, wineries generally do not use it unless the vintage is particularly good. Come make wine. Over the past 50 years, this wine has been loved by wine critics, receiving an average score of 96 points and an average price of a single bottle of $2,860.
2. Masseto, Tuscany, Italy
Masseto red wine is produced at Tenuta dell’Ornellaia in the Tuscany region of Italy and is one of the representative wines of Super Tuscan. This wine and its sister wine Ornellaia are produced in different vineyards. Masseto’s vineyard only covers 16 acres, but it produces almost the most expensive wine in Italy. This wine was officially released in 1987. The average price of a single bottle on the market is 720 US dollars, and the average score given by wine critics is 95 points.
3. Tua Rita Redigaffi, Tuscany, Italy
There is a big price gap between the first wine and the second wine, and it is still a sharp drop for this wine. Turita Le Di Garfield can be regarded as a cult wine in Italy, with an average annual output of roughly 10,000 bottles and an average selling price of US$228 (approximately RMB 1,482) per bottle. The 2000 Turita di Garfield red wine received a perfect score from the famous wine critic Robert Parker. It was also the first Italian wine to receive a 100-point rating from Parker. In addition, this wine has repeatedly received nearly perfect scores of 99 points from James Suckling.
4. Miani Filip Colli Orientali del Friuli Merlot, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
This wine is produced in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy and is carefully handcrafted by Miani Winery. The vineyards of Minia Winery were planted between 1950 and 1960. The average age of the grapevines is about 55 years. In addition, the vineyards are managed using organic methods, so the grape yield is very low. The total amount of wine produced each year is about 700 cases. . The average price of a single bottle of this wine is 211 US dollars (, it is another cult wine in Italy. The famous wine critic Antonio Galloni once said: If his pocket allows, he will definitely buy as much as possible Minia’s wine.
5. Le Macchiole Messorio Rosso, Tuscany, Italy
Although Le Macchiole has only a history of more than 30 years, it is one of the most representative wineries in the Bolgheri region of Tuscany. The winery produces three outstanding single-varietal wines, and this Macchio Messori red wine is the most expensive of them all, with an average price of $190 per bottle. At the same time, this wine is one of the wines with the highest scores from wine critics on Wine Search, with an average score of 94 points.
6. Castello Vicchiomaggio FSM Merlot, Tuscany, Italy
Perhaps many people know Castello Vicchiomaggio because of the Chianti Classico wines produced by the winery, but this wine is produced in the Bulgari region. The price of a single bottle of this wine before tax was as high as US$281 (approximately RMB 1,826), but its price has declined in the past three years, and the average price of a single bottle is now US$166. The production of this wine is very rare, with only 3,000 bottles produced each year.
7. Rocca Di Frassinello Baffonero Maremma Rosso, Tuscany, Italy
Rocca di Frassinello is a joint venture between Italy’s Castellare di Castellina and France’s Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite, inheriting Italian and French wines. top winemaking techniques. The winery is located in the Maremma sub-region of Tuscany and mainly produces entry-level wines. This Merlot wine is by far the most expensive wine produced by the winery, with an average price of a single bottle of $160. In addition, this bottle of wine is also loved by wine critics, scoring an average of 92 points. point.
8. Castello di Ama L’Apparita IGT, Tuscany, Italy
Castello di Ama is located in the village of Ama in the province of Siena, Italy, adjacent to the Village of Lecchi in Chianti. It produces Gran Selezione) is famous for the classic Chianti. But in terms of price alone, this Merlot wine is the most expensive wine in the winery, with the average price of a single bottle being US$159 (approximately RMB 1,032). The wine grapes for this wine come from a small plot in the winery’s Sangiovese vineyard.
9. Yarra Yering Carrodus Merlot, Yarra Valley, Australia
Yarra Yering Winery is located in the Yarra Valley wine region of Australia and was founded in 1969 by Bailey Carrodus. The grapes for this wine come from vines planted in 1969 and were named Calodas in honor of the founder of the winery. The wine is one of the best Merlots in Australia, with an average score of 91 from critics and an average price per bottle of $144.
10. Tenuta Argentiera Giorgio Bartholomaus, Tuscany, Italy
I believe that lovers of Italian Merlot wine must know this wine. It is made by Tenuta Argentiera, a historic winery in the Bulgari area, and has won the praise of wine critics. With an average score of 91 points, the average price of a single bottle is $137 (. The name of this wine comes from the family members who own the winery. Variety of wines, the prices of the three wines are similar. Gambero Rosso, an important media in the Italian wine and food industry, once commented that the Argentilla winery “truly shows the terroir of the Bulgari region”.
From the sun-kissed vineyards of Napa Valley to the historic cellars of Bordeaux, Merlot’s allure lies in its ability to convey elegance and approachability in every sip. Whether savored on its own or paired with a gourmet meal, the finest Merlot wines offer a sensory journey that reflects the dedication of winemakers and the beauty of the terroir.
