# merlot

/ˈmɝɫət/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/merlot
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. the wine

noun · CEFR B2

a type of dry red wine that is usually soft and smooth.

For teachers: a dry red wine produced from the Merlot grape variety, typically characterized by a medium body and soft tannins.

- We ordered a bottle of merlot to go with our steak dinner.
- The sommelier recommended a local merlot, noting that its plum notes would complement the richness of the roasted duck.

### 2. the grape

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a dark blue grape used for making wine.

For teachers: a variety of black wine grape used both as a blending grape and for varietal wines.

- The farmer decided to plant merlot because the soil was perfect for it.
- Merlot is one of the primary grapes used in Bordeaux blends, valued for its ability to add fleshiness and color to the wine.

## Examples

- I prefer a glass of merlot with my dinner.
- The restaurant's wine list features a smooth, fruit-forward merlot that pairs well with grilled red meats.
- While often criticized for its perceived lack of complexity, a high-quality merlot can exhibit deep notes of plum, cedar, and tobacco when aged in oak barrels for several years.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.