Merlot

Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Bold

Not a second wine but a distinct cuvée emphasising freshness and fruit intensity over the grand vin's power: Margaux character with more immediate expression, distinguished by its energy and precision.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Elegant · Bold

The prestige selection of Chateau de la Riviere, sourced exclusively from the estate's oldest Merlot vines in a single 1.5-hectare plot and aged entirely in new French oak. Produced only in the best vintages; a luxury expression of Fronsac terroir.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Savoury

Originally the second wine of Pavie, now an independent brand since 2018 sourced from a dedicated 11-hectare east-plateau parcel. Merlot-Cabernet Franc blend of medium body with dark cherry, espresso and salty-mineral character; approachable on release.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic

Bauduc's premium red from a single Bordeaux Superieur block: 75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in small barrels for added structure. Anne Krebiehl MW describes it as juicy, plush, and beautifully open with oak-kissed fruit.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Contemplative

The second wine of Lafite shares the elegance and lead-pencil signature of the grand vin but with a higher Merlot component lending earlier approachability. Floral aromatic lift distinguishes it from heavier second wines.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Contemplative

The second wine of Ausone, sourced from the youngest Cabernet Franc and Merlot vines on the same limestone hillside. Crisp, elegant and unmistakably mineral, with a fruity register that opens earlier than the grand vin.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Bold · Elegant

Merlot and Cabernet Franc from 27 classified hectares at the foot of Saint-Emilion's slope. Generous, opulent and structured, with dark cherry, violets and cedar complexity; certified organic from the 2021 vintage.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant

From just 7 hectares of steep limestone slopes, Ausone is a wine of concentration, precision and mineral tension. Cabernet Franc dominates, giving iron-rich structure, dried-flower fragrance and an extraordinary seamless finish.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Low tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Fruity

Bauduc's entry-level claret; a straightforward Merlot-Cabernet blend offering reliable, juicy red-fruit character and soft tannins at an accessible price. Drink now or hold for up to seven years. The wine is consistently good for its level.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Elegant · Contemplative

From 16.5 hectares of ancient underground cellars carved into the limestone of Saint-Emilion's plateau, Beau-Sejour Becot offers silk and velvet textures with floral aromatics, dark fruits and a crushed-stone mineral lift. Recent vintages show increasing use of amphora for freshness.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Contemplative · Elegant

Premier Grand Cru Classe B from the Saint-Emilion limestone plateau. Owned by the Wertheimer family (Chanel), Canon produces Merlot-dominant blends of great classical finesse and ageing capacity, with cedar, mint and graphite precision.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Contemplative · Elegant

Cabernet Franc-dominant Saint-Emilion of breathtaking silkiness: violets and graphite on the nose, an opulent yet precise palate of black cherry and tobacco, seamless tannin structure and a finish of uncommon length.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Bold

Merlot-dominant Pomerol with an unusually significant proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon giving structured backbone. Rich and concentrated with cassis, graphite, and leather; requires a minimum of 8-12 years in good vintages.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Elegant

The most distinctive of the Saint-Estephe grands crus classés, with an unmistakable oriental spice and incense aromatic signature absent in Pauillac wines. Merlot-rich for Saint-Estephe, delivering seductive suppleness alongside the appellation's characteristic mineral-tannic power.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant

The most Cabernet-dominant Right Bank premier cru in Bordeaux: near-equal thirds of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classe A in 2022. Combines peony and iris fragrance with electric energy, grainy Cabernet tannin and remarkable mineral length.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Contemplative · Elegant

Merlot-led first-growth Pessac-Leognan red combining cassis and graphite with earthy tobacco and cedar. Velvety tannins and exceptional length set it apart from Medoc peers.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Fruity

100% Merlot Fronsac from the 4.5-hectare Haut-Lariveau parcel acquired by the Hubau family in 1990. More approachable and fruit-forward than its Canon-Fronsac sibling, farmed with the same biodynamic discipline.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Contemplative · Bold

La Mission Haut-Brion combines the gravel terroir of Talence with intense, brooding dark fruit. Blackberry, scorched earth, and graphite underpin a structured, powerful palate with velvety tannins and a finish that rivals the great first growths.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant

The archetype of Pauillac first-growth: Cabernet-dominant, with penetrating lead pencil and cassis aromatics, precise fine-grained tannins, and a finish that evolves over decades.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant

Unique Pomerol with an equal Cabernet Franc-Merlot split giving a perfumed floral lift and structural precision rarely seen in the appellation. Biodynamic farming since 2014; produced from just 4.5 hectares on the Pomerol plateau.

Dry · Full-bodied · High tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Bold

The most structured and austere of the Pauillac first-growths. The L'Enclos parcel of old-vine Cabernet Sauvignon delivers extraordinary concentration and mineral tension; legendary longevity requires patience of decades.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Rustic

Lynch-Bages consistently overperforms its Fifth Growth classification. A richer, more extrovert Pauillac than the first-growths, with cassis generosity, smoky tobacco, and a robust structure that ages beautifully over 20-30 years.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Rustic

One of Saint-Estephe's most consistent and value-oriented estates, Meyney produces full-bodied, tannic wines with a distinctive spice and dark berry character. Notable for its high Petit Verdot content (10%) contributing structure and aromatic complexity.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury

The benchmark Canon-Fronsac red from 6.75 hectares of 65-year-average-age vines, farmed biodynamically and organically. Merlot with 5% Malbec produces a fragrant, perfumed wine with remarkable freshness for the Right Bank.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Contemplative

The most opulent of the Pauillac first-growths; Mouton Rothschild emphasises blackcurrant concentration, dark chocolate, and an extrovert aromatic generosity that sets it apart from the pencil-mineral restraint of Lafite and Latour.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Contemplative · Bold

From the oldest wine estate in Bordeaux, tracing its history to the 14th-century papacy. Cabernet-and-Merlot blend delivering cassis, graphite, and tobacco with flawless tannins; in great vintages approaches first-growth complexity.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Bold · Contemplative

From 42 hectares at Saint-Emilion's highest point (110m), Pavie delivers concentrated, structured Merlot-dominant blends with extraordinary mineral depth. Pairs elegance with considerable power; requires minimum 15 years to fully integrate.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Contemplative

Known for its silky texture and unusually high 32% Merlot for a Left Bank estate, Pichon Lalande bridges the power of Pauillac with a suppleness and perfume reminiscent of Margaux. Louis Roederer ownership since 2006 has brought further precision.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Elegant

Pauillac second-growth with an unusually high Cabernet Sauvignon proportion for the appellation. AXA Millesimes' investment since 1987 has lifted consistency dramatically; the 2022 vintage drew especially strong critical praise in bottle.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Contemplative

The leading biodynamic estate in Bordeaux and the only Fifth Growth that regularly receives 100-point scores. Demeter-certified since 2014; unique use of amphorae alongside barrique ageing. The wines combine Pauillac's classical structure with a biodynamic freshness and earth energy not found elsewhere in the Medoc.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Bold · Savoury

Francois Mitjavile's Cotes de Bourg cult wine, modelled on the exacting principles of his Saint-Emilion estate Tertre-Roteboeuf: very late harvesting, low yields, and 100% new oak since 1996. Pushed the Cotes de Bourg to its quality ceiling.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Contemplative · Bold

A benchmark Pessac-Leognan Cabernet since the Cathiard family's acquisition in 1990. Cassis, graphite, and tobacco define a precise, structured palate; 60% new oak ageing adds cedar and spice. Consistent 97-98 point scores in recent vintages.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Bold · Contemplative

From Saint-Emilion's highest plateau (over 100m), Troplong Mondot produces Merlot-dominant blends of great richness and depth. Thick and concentrated without being heavy; dark plum, coffee and stone character with remarkable ageing potential.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Rustic · Easygoing

The flagship Fronsac estate red from 60 hectares on clay-limestone soils above the Dordogne. Merlot-led and supple with dark chocolate and ripe cherry; aged in spectacular 16th-century underground cellars at constant 13 degrees.

Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury

The benchmark Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel of Moulis: Cabernet-dominant with dark fruit, pencil lead and licorice, offering genuine structure and ageing potential well beyond its humble classification.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant

Archetype of refined Saint-Julien: cassis and dark cherry on a bed of Gunzian gravel minerality, with perfectly integrated silky tannins and an exceptionally lengthy finish.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic

The largest single vineyard in the Médoc produces an consistently approachable, fruit-forward Haut-Médoc with a well-balanced structure and excellent everyday drinkability at an accessible price.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant

Timeless Saint-Julien classic: a Cabernet-dominant blend with classic Médoc pencil shavings, licorice and cassis, built for patience with rich powdery tannins.

Dry · Full-bodied · High tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Romantic

The most perfumed of the Médoc first growths: haunting floral aromatics of roses and violets above a core of concentrated cassis, extraordinary saline minerality, and tannins demanding decades of patience.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant

Classified Third Growth performing at first-growth level: extraordinary richness from an unusually high Merlot proportion, with Thomas Duroux's biodynamic conversion delivering added aromatic complexity and freshness.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Bold

The great unclassified Médoc: Sociando-Mallet produces wines of classed-growth quality from Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne, with muscular Cabernet-Merlot structure, minty cassis, and a distinctive saline minerality.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Elegant · Savoury

A revived Fifth Growth finding its stride under the Merlaut family: Cabernet-forward Haut-Médoc structure with dark fruit, cedar and characteristic menthol freshness from deep gravel soils near Saint-Julien.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Contemplative

A cuvée in its own right rather than a simple second wine: structured Saint-Julien Cabernet with its own distinct terroir personality from western parcels of the estate, offering outstanding value relative to the grand vin.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Elegant

Second wine of Chateau Canon (formerly Clos Canon, rebranded Croix Canon from the 2012 vintage). Elegant, medium-bodied with mint, cherry and floral character; structured enough for 10+ years but designed for earlier pleasure.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic

Second wine of Lynch-Bages since 2007 (previously sold as Chateau Haut-Bages Averous). Higher Merlot component than the grand vin provides accessible fruit and earlier drinking; retains characteristic Lynch-Bages tobacco and cassis signature.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic

The accessible second wine of Clinet from estate vines, made to reveal its qualities early. Smooth-textured, fruit-driven Pomerol Merlot with approachable tannins and genuine ageing potential without requiring long cellaring.

Dry · Full-bodied · High tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant

One of the great super-seconds of Bordeaux: extraordinarily concentrated cassis fruit with almost first-growth precision, dense tannins demanding patient cellaring of 15 or more years.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Low tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing

The Haut-Médoc AOC second-level wine of Chasse-Spleen, made from satellite vineyard parcels. Easy-drinking, herb-inflected red fruit for everyday occasions.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Low tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Fruity

The approachable second wine of Chasse-Spleen from the Moulis AOC: Merlot-driven, with enticing red fruit and soft tannins, ready to enjoy without extended cellaring.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Savoury · Elegant

The second wine of La Mission Haut-Brion, incorporating grapes from younger vines and since 2006 from the former La Tour Haut-Brion vineyard. Shares the Talence gravel terroir; accessible dark fruit with cedar and spice, drinkable earlier than the grand vin.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Low tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing

The second wine of Château Camensac, prioritising freshness and supple tannins from younger vine selections. Light and immediately appealing with characteristic Haut-Médoc menthol freshness.

Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Elegant · Bold

Powerful and silky with aromatic richness; introduces the Borie house style at an accessible level with plush berry fruit and balanced oak spice.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic

The Merlot-dominant second wine of Sociando-Mallet, offering earlier approachability with a more typically Médoc fruit profile than the austere and structured grand vin.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic

The accessible, Merlot-dominant second selection from Vieux Chateau Certan, made from younger vines and less-selected barrels. Forward, fruit-driven, and approachable early but retaining the estate's hallmark iron-mineral signature.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic

An elegant and approachable expression of Saint-Julien from younger vines, with a higher Merlot proportion giving early accessibility and soft ripe fruit.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Fruity

The second wine of Angelus, Merlot-dominant with a forward, polished character. Bright red fruit, soft spice and floral tones make it approachable younger than the grand vin while retaining the estate's Merlot generosity.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Elegant · Savoury

The second red of Haut-Brion, renamed from Bahans Haut-Brion in 2007. Merlot-dominated in most vintages with the same Pessac terroir as the grand vin, but more approachable in youth, showing red plum, blueberry, and mineral freshness.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic

The second red wine of Pape Clement since 1986. Merlot-dominant for approachability; round red cherry and currant fruit with cedar and soft spice notes. Designed for earlier drinking than the grand vin while reflecting the same Pessac terroir.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic

Third wine of Latour produced since 1989. Merlot-dominant and made primarily from young vines; developed for the restaurant market as a generously fruity, earlier-drinking Pauillac.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Elegant · Easygoing

The second wine of Cheval Blanc: same terroir and typicity as the grand vin but in a more accessible, forward style. Charming black-fruit and cedar profile, silky tannins, and an earlier drinking window.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Savoury

The second red wine of Smith Haut Lafitte, sharing the estate's Martillac gravel terroir. A Cabernet-Sauvignon-led blend with cassis, fresh herbs, and pencil-shaving notes in an approachable medium-bodied style suitable for earlier drinking.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Elegant

The official second wine of Léoville-Las Cases since 2007, Merlot-dominant for earlier accessibility while retaining the Saint-Julien precision of the parent estate.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Bold

Made specifically from younger vines harvested earlier to preserve freshness. Le Petit Mouton shows a younger, more approachable face of the Mouton house style: cassis-driven, with cedar and gentle tobacco, earlier-drinking but still structured.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Contemplative · Elegant

Micro-estate garagiste Pomerol with supremely hedonistic Merlot character: mocha-laced plum and violet aromatics, a voluptuous, fleshy palate, and remarkable concentration from just 400-600 cases per year.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Bold

Second wine of Latour from peripheral L'Enclos plots and younger vines, with a higher Merlot proportion than the grand vin. Retains Latour's mineral iron signature at a fraction of the price.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Elegant

Premium second wine of Pichon Baron introduced with the 2012 vintage. Merlot-dominant versus the Cabernet-heavy grand vin; since 2020, partially aged in amphora to add minerality and texture without excessive oak.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic

Second wine of Pontet-Canet since 1982. Produced in limited quantities as Alfred Tesseron prefers lower yields and declassification over large second-wine production; earlier-drinking, approachable Pauillac from biodynamic-certified vineyards.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Low tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic

The accessible second wine of Larose-Trintaudon, sourced from the same vines and terroir as the grand vin but crafted for early approachability and everyday enjoyment.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Savoury

Second wine of Cos d'Estournel since 1994; previously sold as Marbuzet. Shows a more Merlot-forward profile than the grand vin, with the estate's distinctive spice character in a more accessible format.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Contemplative

Produced from a separate 0.8-hectare crescent parcel with deeper soils, Les Pensees is not a second wine but a distinct expression of the Lafleur terroir. More Merlot-forward than the grand vin, with the same biodynamic farming and iron-mineral character.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic

Second wine of Troplong Mondot, Merlot-dominant with emphasis on freshness and early drinkability. A juicy, earthy black cherry and spring flower profile with wet-stone limestone terroir character; approachable and unpretentious.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Romantic

Exquisite second wine of the most famous first growth, sharing the same subtle power and floral finesse as the grand vin while offering earlier accessibility.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Fruity

The renamed second wine of Beau-Sejour Becot (formerly Tournelle de Beau-Sejour Becot), renamed Petit Becot in 2012. Merlot-dominant with fresh red cherry character and gentle tannin; designed for early drinking pleasure.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Easygoing

The second wine of Chateau Figeac, one of the oldest second wines on the Right Bank (first produced 1945). Shares the same Cabernet-influenced gravel terroir and blending trio as the grand vin but from younger vines; lighter, more refined and more accessible earlier.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Contemplative · Elegant

100% Merlot from 11.4 ha of blue clay at Pomerol's centre. Silk-and-velvet texture with truffle, chocolate, and dark cherry at its core; structurally imposing yet hedonistic, with a finish that stretches for minutes.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic

Second wine of Chateau Meyney since 1979, named for the estate's 17th-century priory origins. Produced from younger vines (approximately 35-40 years) using minimal new oak to preserve fresh fruit character; a reliable everyday Saint-Estephe.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Elegant

Second wine of Pichon Lalande since 1973. Described by the estate as a true Pauillac brand in its own right. Higher Petit Verdot proportion adds structure and spice; the estate's characteristic silk texture is detectable even at this level.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant

Pomerol's most Cabernet-Franc-inflected grand vin: 30% Cabernet Franc gives an aromatic lift and structural precision that sets VCC apart from Merlot-dominant peers. Sensuous and silky in great vintages, with decades of ageing potential.

Dry · Easygoing · Bold

Dry · Elegant · Bold

Dry · Contemplative · Elegant

Dry · Contemplative · Elegant

Dry · Contemplative · Elegant

Dry · Elegant · Bold

Dry · Easygoing · Bold

Dry · Elegant · Bold

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Contemplative · Elegant

Vega Sicilia's earlier-release sibling to Unico, aged five years in oak, with a more approachable but still deeply structured profile of dark cherry, cedar and mineral complexity.

Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Elegant · Bold

Ramione blends the dark fruit warmth of Nero d'Avola with the softening effect of Merlot at 900 metres above sea level: the result is a polished, smooth Sicilian blend with surprising freshness from altitude.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Elegant · Bold

Firriato's Bordeaux-style blend from the Trapani hinterland: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grown in Sicily's sun produce a richly ripe interpretation of the classic Bordeaux blend with a warm cedar-tobacco finish.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic

La Segreta Rosso is Planeta's multi-varietal entry red: Nero d'Avola blended with Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc for a smooth, approachable and consistent everyday Sicilian red with broad food versatility.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Elegant

Argiano's Super Tuscan in a Bordeaux-Sangiovese blend with significant Petit Verdot, deep and structured.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Elegant

Joint-venture Toscana IGT between Avignonesi and Chianti Classico's Capannelle, blending Sangiovese (Capannelle) and Merlot (Avignonesi).

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Elegant

Boscarelli's Super Tuscan Sangiovese-Bordeaux blend Toscana IGT.

Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Bold

Ricasoli's Merlot expression. Dark-fruit volume and sweet oak with a Sangiovese-trained acid spine that keeps the wine taut.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Elegant

Pure Merlot Toscana IGT from CastelGiocondo's Lamaione parcel, a Brunello-region Merlot in the Bolgheri stylistic register.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Contemplative

Castello di Ama's Bordeaux-blend Toscana IGT with Sangiovese leading and Cabernet Franc adding aromatic lift.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Contemplative

Castello di Ama's cult 100 percent Merlot Toscana IGT from a tiny Gaiole parcel, plush and graphite-mineral.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Contemplative

The Merlot-leaning sibling to Bellavista, deeper-fruited with mocha and dark cherry through a long Sangiovese acid spine.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing

Annata Chianti Classico from the 600-metre Volpaia hamlet, translucent and herbal with the high-altitude Radda signature.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic

Frescobaldi's accessible Chianti DOCG from the Castiglioni estate, the family daily wine.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Elegant

Merlot-Sangiovese Toscana IGT from the historical Castiglioni estate, the Frescobaldi family's flagship Bordeaux-blend Super Tuscan.

Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury

The Cesani family's Toscana IGT red. Sangiovese-led with Merlot weight, organic Pancole fruit, tonneaux ageing for soft tannin and savoury depth.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Bold

Italy's reference 100 percent Merlot away from Bolgheri. Black cherry, blackberry and violet over a graphite-iron mineral spine, with polished oak and firm tannin in support.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing

Grattamacco's annata Bolgheri DOC, accessible Bordeaux-Sangiovese blend from CCPB-organic vineyards.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Savoury

Grattamacco's flagship Bolgheri Superiore, a Bordeaux-Sangiovese blend from the second-oldest Bolgheri estate.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Elegant

Antinori's flagship Bolgheri Superiore DOC, a polished Bordeaux blend from the family's coastal Bolgheri estate.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Elegant

Tenuta San Guido's second wine, introduced 2000. Cabernet-Merlot Toscana IGT from younger Bolgheri vineyards.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic

Guado al Tasso's second wine, accessible Bolgheri DOC Cabernet-Merlot-Syrah blend.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing

Le Macchiole's annata Bolgheri DOC, an accessible blend showcasing the estate's three varietal flagships.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Contemplative

Cult 100 percent Merlot Toscana IGT from Le Macchiole, often compared to its Masseto neighbour.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic

Le Pupille's annata Morellino, the village daily wine from the warm coastal Maremma.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Elegant

Maremma's flagship Super Tuscan, a Bordeaux blend with a touch of Alicante from Le Pupille.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Elegant

Ornellaia's second wine, Merlot-led Bordeaux blend from younger Bolgheri vineyards.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic

Rocca di Frassinello's accessible Sangiovese-Bordeaux Maremma DOC, the estate's second wine.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic

Ornellaia's accessible Sangiovese-Bordeaux Toscana IGT, the estate's everyday-drinking bottle.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Elegant

Masseto's second wine, introduced 2017. Merlot-Cabernet Franc Toscana IGT from younger Masseto vines.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Contemplative

100 percent Merlot from a 7-hectare blue-clay parcel inside the Ornellaia estate. Widely considered Italy's most prestigious Merlot and a global benchmark for the variety outside Bordeaux.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Savoury

Michele Satta's flagship four-way Bolgheri blend, equal parts Sangiovese, Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Elegant

Lodovico Antinori's Bolgheri Bordeaux-blend, founded 1981. Bolgheri Superiore DOC under Frescobaldi ownership; Wine Spectator Wine of the Year 2001 for the 1998 vintage.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing

Panizzi's Chianti Colli Senesi, the San Gimignano red counterpoint to its Vernaccias.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Fruity

An everyday Mazzei: Sangiovese-led with Merlot softness, brief American-oak round, made for a Tuesday-night table.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Savoury

Single-vineyard Vino Nobile from the donkey-shaped Asinone hillside, the appellation's most consistently reviewed wine.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Elegant

Poliziano's Bordeaux-blend Super Tuscan, Cabernet-led IGT from Montepulciano vineyards.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing

Poliziano's annata Vino Nobile, accessible Prugnolo Gentile from the Carletti family estate.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Savoury

Joint-venture Sangiovese-Bordeaux blend at Gavorrano, housed in a Renzo Piano-designed cellar.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Elegant

Rocca di Frassinello's flagship pure Merlot Maremma Toscana DOC, named for the estate's mascot wild boar.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Elegant

One of the original Super Tuscans, Bordeaux-blended with a slice of the indigenous Pugnitello variety.

Dry · Medium-bodied · High acidity · Refreshing · Easygoing

Antinori's Bolgheri rose, a coastal pink with Provencal pale color from Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Elegant

A 50/50 Sangiovese-Merlot Super Tuscan from the historic Siepi vineyard at 850 feet. Black plum, sandalwood and tobacco over a firm cedar-and-cherry core.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic

Sangiovese-led Bordeaux-supported Toscana IGT from Frescobaldi's Castiglioni estate, the daily-drinking Super Tuscan.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Savoury

Petrolo's signature Sangiovese-Merlot-Cabernet blend, drawing from Boggina, Galatrona and Campo Lusso. The everyday face of the estate.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Elegant

Tua Rita's Bordeaux-blend Super Tuscan from Suvereto, the Cabernet-led complement to Redigaffi.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Contemplative

Tua Rita's flagship 100 percent Merlot Toscana IGT from Suvereto on the Val di Cornia, awarded 100 points by Wine Advocate for the 2000 vintage.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury

Sangiovese-led Chianti Classico Riserva in a juicier, more accessible Antinori register, with cherry and tobacco at the core.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Savoury · Rustic

The Le Fontane (the springs) red from Corte Gardoni is a Garda DOC Cabernet-based blend aged in oak. The Garda DOC permits Bordeaux varieties and the morainic soils of Valeggio sul Mincio give the Cabernet a mineral freshness that distinguishes it from warmer Veneto reds.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Bold

Quintarelli's Bordeaux varieties treated to the Valpolicella appassimento method: dried Cabernet and Merlot producing extraordinary density, graphite-inflected fruit and a seamlessly long finish.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic

Gorgo's Garda DOC Merlot provides a red wine counterpart to the estate's primary Bianco di Custoza focus. Lake Garda's moderating effect on the climate produces a well-rounded Merlot with soft tannins and ripe fruit.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic

The Piave plain Merlot DOC from Italo Cescon is a classic Trevisan everyday red. Merlot on the alluvial Piave soils produces a plum-forward, medium-bodied wine with soft tannins suited to simple food pairings.

Dry · Full-bodied · High tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Bold

Fratta is Maculan's Bordeaux-inspired flagship red, one of northeastern Italy's landmark wines. A Cabernet-Merlot blend aged 18 months in new French oak, it rivals top Veneto reds in complexity and ageing potential. Fausto Maculan was among the first producers in the Veneto to vinify Bordeaux varieties at serious quality levels.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant

The flagship of the Montello DOCG, one of northeastern Italy's most serious Bordeaux-blend reds. Serafini and Vidotto pioneered quality Bordeaux-variety production on the Montello hills in the 1980s when the zone was considered secondary. Il Rosso dell'Abazia has become the reference point for the designation.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic

Phigaia is the accessible second wine from Serafini and Vidotto, allowing the estate to express the Montello terroir at a lower price point. The Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend is lighter, fresher and more immediately enjoyable than Il Rosso dell'Abazia.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant

Gemola is the flagship red of Vignalta and one of the Veneto's most distinctive non-Valpolicella reds. The volcanic basalt soils of the Euganean Hills give a distinctive mineral thread to this Merlot-Cabernet Franc blend that is unlike the softer alluvial reds of the plain.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Funky

A 15-variety blend in the Veronese IGT classification, Harlequin is Gaspari's conceptual statement: every grape variety grown across Zyme's vineyards co-fermented after partial drying, producing a complex, layered wine with extraordinary aromatic diversity.