SA Merlot may be making a comeback
Merlot accounts for about 6% of South Africa's wine grape plantings and 13% of red varieties, with around 6.5 million litres sold annually.
South African winemakers have inadvertently contributed to Merlot's second-tier status with their planting and blending practices. The variety has long been seen as dependable, rather than distinctive, and played a significant role in Bordeaux-style blends. However, Merlot accounts for only 6% of South Africa's wine grape plantings and 13% of red varieties, with about 6.5 million litres sold annually.
Despite its presence and use in some of the world's most expensive wines, it has struggled to establish a standalone reputation compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah or Pinotage. The challenges facing South African Merlot were recognized as early as 2005, when wine industry figures established Merlot SA to promote excellence and advance knowledge about the varietal.
Consumers, winemakers, and critics have underestimated Merlot, viewing it as an easy-drinking red while focusing more on varieties with stronger premium credentials. This self-fulfilling prophecy has led to fewer ambitious, site-driven Merlot wines, making it harder for critics and consumers to engage with benchmark wines. Merlot was sometimes planted in unsuitable locations, resulting in uneven ripening, loss of freshness, or development of unwanted green, herbaceous characters.
When pushed too hard for ripeness, Merlot can become broad and overly soft. Viticulturist Vlok Hanekom noted that hundreds of decisions made during the growing season impact the final product. Pruning, crop regulation, selective leaf removal, and harvest timing all play a role. Wine judges may be changing their perspectives on South African Merlot, with the variety recently receiving accolades such as a Platinum Medal at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards and being named Merlot of the Year at the 2026 London Wine Competition.
Vergelegen's Reserve Merlot 2022 won the best Merlot award at the Fine Wine Awards earlier this year. Basson emphasized that international recognition comes from a critical mass of high-quality, distinctive Merlot wines.
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