Merlot

• Red grape variety

• Vineyards in Switzerland: 1,220 hectares

The Merlot grape produces full-bodied, fruit-forward wines that are dark in colour with slight violet highlights. Merlot is characterised by aromas of black cherries, plums and spices. Swiss Merlot has a soft tannin structure and a good balance between fruit and freshness.

In addition to the classic red wines, elegant white wines (Merlot Bianco) and full-bodied blends are also made from Merlot in Ticino.

Merlot goes particularly well with hearty meat dishes such as fillet of beef, lamb or game. It also pairs perfectly with poultry dishes such as duck breast or chicken in strong sauces. Merlot is equally good with perfectly matured cheeses such as Gruyère, Brie or Camembert.

It rounds off the flavour of hearty pasta dishes like Bolognese or lasagne. Thanks to its soft tannins and fruitiness, Merlot is an ideal companion to pizza and Mediterranean dishes with tomatoes or grilled vegetables.

Merlot has its origins in Bordeaux and is now one of the most well-known and widespread red grape varieties worldwide. In Switzerland, Merlot was first planted in the canton of Vaud in the mid-19th century.

Later, Merlot was mainly grown in Ticino, where the mild climate and calcareous soils provide ideal conditions. Today, Ticino's Merlot wines are internationally known.

Merlot has proven to be particularly adaptable and now produces unique wines in various Swiss wine-growing regions. However, Ticino remains the main growing area.