Best Merlot Red Wine of 2025

Kiera Browne Avatar
Kiera Browne
Last Updated: 2 Feb 2025

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Merlot red wine is a popular and widely consumed type of wine that is made from the Merlot grape variety. With its rich and velvety texture, Merlot wine is known for its fruity flavours of black cherry, plum, and blackberry, as well as its subtle hints of vanilla, oak, and spice. This wine is a versatile choice that pairs well with a variety of dishes, including red meats, pasta, and cheese. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with food, Merlot red wine is a must-try for any wine enthusiast.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Hardys Stamp Cabernet Merlot Red Wine Cover #TOP 1
Hardys Stamp Cabernet Merlot Red Wine
ftb score rating icon 9.9
McGuigan Black Label Merlot Red Wine Cover #TOP 2
McGuigan Black Label Merlot Red Wine
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Vergelegen Merlot Red Wine 75 cl Cover #TOP 3
Vergelegen Merlot Red Wine 75 cl
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Merlot Red Wine

#TOP 1

Hardys Stamp Cabernet Merlot Red Wine

75 cl (Pack of 1)
Hardys Stamp Cabernet Merlot Red Wine Cover
Hardys Stamp Cabernet Merlot Red Wine, 75cl

Hardys Stamp Red Wine is a delightful medium-bodied option that features rich flavours of blackcurrant and dark cherry. You will appreciate the subtle oak, which adds a sweet complexity to every sip. This wine pairs beautifully with spicy beef or soft cheeses, enhancing your dining experience. With a range of alcohol content between 11% and 13.5%, you can enjoy it with confidence, knowing it suits various occasions.

What We Like
Great flavour profile
Pairs well with food
Medium-bodied for easy drinking
Award-winning quality
#TOP 2

McGuigan Black Label Merlot Red Wine

30023
Merlot
75 cl (Pack of 1)
McGuigan Black Label Merlot Red Wine Cover
McGuigan Black Label Merlot, 75cl

The McGuigan Merlot is a soft and flavoursome red wine that delights with its ripe fruit flavours of raspberry, cherry, and plum. These fruity notes are beautifully complemented by subtle oak characters, such as caramel and vanilla, enhancing its overall appeal. With its velvety texture, this Merlot pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, especially red meat, pork, and chicken, making it a versatile choice for your meals. Enjoying this wine can elevate your dining experience, allowing you to savour its rich flavour profile.

What We Like
Soft and flavoursome
Rich fruit flavours
Pairs well with meals
Velvety texture
#TOP 3

Vergelegen Merlot Red Wine 75 cl

45006B614
Vergelegen Merlot Red Wine 75 cl Cover
Vergelegen Reserve Merlot 75 cl

The Vergelegen Merlot is a remarkable red wine from one of South Africa's oldest estates, established in 1700. Situated near the Hottentots Holland mountains, the estate spans over 3,000 hectares, offering a stunning backdrop for your wine experience. With over 200 awards, including prestigious accolades at the International Wine & Spirits Competition, you can trust in its quality. The wine's ripe plum colour and complex nose of black cherries and chocolate provide a delightful tasting experience, perfect for your next gathering or a quiet evening at home.

What We Like
Award-winning estate
Rich fruit flavours
Long-lasting aftertaste
Improves with age

Hardys Crest Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 75cl

101536787
Hardys Crest Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 75cl Cover
Hardys Crest Cabernet Shiraz Merlot, 75cl

Hardys Crest Red Wine offers an elegant and well-balanced experience, making it a delightful choice for your dining table. With flavours of dark cherry and a soft, silky finish, it enhances any meal. The rich aromas of ripe plum and dark berries, complemented by hints of cherry and raspberry, create a sensory delight. This wine pairs beautifully with rich beef dishes, ensuring a satisfying meal. Sourced from quality vineyards in South Eastern Australia, it promises a wine that is both rich in body and flavour.

What We Like
Elegant and well-balanced flavour
Rich aromas of dark fruits
Pairs well with beef dishes
Sourced from quality vineyards
#TOP 5

Echo Falls Merlot Red Wine Case of 6

528410
Echo Falls Merlot Red Wine Case of 6 Cover
Echo Falls Merlot Red Wine, 75 cl (Case of 6)

Echo Falls Merlot is a delightful red wine that features the rich flavours of dark plums and sweet blueberries. Its medium-bodied profile, combined with firm yet rounded tannins, makes it a versatile choice for various occasions. You’ll appreciate the inviting aromas of vanilla-sweet, jammy plums, which enhance your wine experience. This wine pairs beautifully with grilled steak topped with blue cheese, making it perfect for dinner parties or special meals.

What We Like
Rich fruity flavours
Medium-bodied with smooth tannins
Aromatic and inviting
Perfect with grilled steak
Convenient case of 6
#TOP 6

Barefoot Merlot Californian Red Wine 6 x 750ml

Barefoot Merlot Californian Red Wine 6 x 750ml Cover
Barefoot Merlot, Californian Red Wine, 6 x 750ml bottles…

Barefoot Merlot is an indulgent Californian red wine that boasts tempting flavours of juicy blackberry, tart raspberry, and rich chocolate, offering a silky-smooth finish. This smooth and bold wine is one of the most popular grape varieties, making it an easy-drinking option for any occasion. You can enjoy it with a variety of foods, including beef, poultry, and even desserts, enhancing your dining experience. Additionally, this award-winning red wine has received a Gold Medal at the American Fine Wine Competition in 2021, highlighting its exceptional flavour and quality.

What We Like
Indulgent flavours
Smooth and easy-drinking
Versatile food pairings
Award-winning quality
#TOP 7

Yellow Tail Merlot Wine Case of 6

15MERYLT7U16
Yellow Tail Merlot Wine Case of 6 Cover
Yellow Tail Merlot Wine, 75 cl (Case of 6)

Yellow Tail Merlot is a delightful red wine that offers a wonderful tasting experience. With flavours of ripe plums and mulberries, it brings sweetness and a hint of spice to your palate. This wine pairs perfectly with antipasto, making it an excellent choice for gatherings with good friends. Its plush and rich texture ensures a lingering finish, providing you with a memorable drinking experience that enhances your moments together.

What We Like
Rich and plush texture
Great for social gatherings
Wonderful fruit flavours
Pairs well with food
#TOP 8

ButterFox Jack Rabbit Merlot 75cl Pack of 6

ButterFox Jack Rabbit Merlot 75cl Pack of 6 Cover
ButterFox Jack Rabbit Merlot 75cl (Pack of 6 x 75cl)

The Jack Rabbit Merlot offers a deep purple and red hue, making it visually appealing. Its nose features enticing aromas of dark plums, blackberry jam, and a hint of oak, which can enhance your sensory experience. On the palate, you’ll enjoy flavours of blackberry, mulberry, and plums, delivering a smooth finish that is perfect for relaxing evenings. This wine pairs wonderfully with rich beef stews or lasagne, making it an ideal choice for your next dinner party or cosy meal at home.

What We Like
Rich, fruity flavour profile
Elegant aroma with oak notes
Beautiful deep colour
Perfect for hearty meals
#TOP 9

Hardys VR Merlot Red Wine, 750ml

586685
750 ml (Pack of 1)
Hardys VR Merlot Red Wine, 750ml Cover
Hardys VR Merlot, 750ml , Pack of 1

Hardys VR Merlot is a delightful red wine with an alcohol by volume of 11%. This makes it a great choice for various occasions, allowing you to enjoy a pleasant drink without overwhelming strength. As a product of the renowned Hardys brand, you can expect quality and taste that enhance your dining experience. Its versatile nature means it pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it an excellent addition to your wine collection. Whether you're hosting a dinner or enjoying a quiet evening, this Merlot is sure to please.

What We Like
Quality brand reputation
Moderate alcohol content
Versatile food pairing
Convenient 750ml size
#TOP 10

Barkan Classic Merlot Dry Red Wine 750 ml

R12_New
750ml
Barkan Classic Merlot Dry Red Wine 750 ml Cover
Barkan Classic - Merlot, Dry Red Wine - 750 ml

Barkan Classic Merlot offers a deep ruby colour that entices the eye, making it an appealing choice for any occasion. The generous aroma of wild berries, along with spicy hints of vanilla and black pepper, enhances your drinking experience, inviting you to savour each sip. When you taste this wine, you'll appreciate its soft, round, and velvety texture, which reveals delightful fruity notes. With a well-balanced finish, this wine pairs excellently with meat dishes, grilled meats, stews, and cheeses, making it a versatile option for your dining table.

What We Like
Rich, fruity aroma
Soft, velvety taste
Versatile food pairings
Elegant deep ruby colour
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Merlot a good red wine?

Merlot is one of the world's most popular red wines, and America's second favorite after Cabernet Sauvignon. Known for its soft, sensual texture and approachable style, it's made from red-skinned grapes that can adapt to a variety of climates to produce food-friendly wines in many price points.

2. Is red Merlot sweet or dry?

While popular favorites Merlot and Pinot Noir are considered dry red wines, they have higher levels of residual sugars than the very dry options. Tempranillo is considered a very dry red wine.

3. What is the difference between Merlot and red wine?

A typical Merlot wine will be dry (as opposed to sweeter red varieties, such as Zinfandel and Port). Merlot has been known to take on different flavors, depending on the region and winemaking techniques used. Noted flavors you will find in merlots include cocoa, plums, cherries, and herbs.

Editor's Notes

During our merlot red wine research, we found 213 merlot red wine products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 21,197 customer reviews through our big data system to write the merlot red wine list. We found that most customers choose merlot red wine with an average price of £9.91.

The merlot red wine are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of merlot red wine, including Hardys, McGuigan, Vergelegen, Echo Falls, Barefoot.

Written by
Kiera Browne Avatar

Kiera Browne served as chef and caterer in Purslane Restaurant for three years before establishing her restaurant. Kiera now owns two restaurants and a culinary school all over the United Kingdom. Kiera has featured in magazines and editorials, providing recipes for various dishes. Using her skills and knowledge in the culinary field, Kiera has published few pamphlets on preparing various cuisines.