All the medallists from The Global Merlot Masters 2026

IT WAS a rather grey February day when we met in central London to taste a flight of 33 Merlot wines. Merlot is, of course, solely responsible for some of the world’s greatest wines – Le Pin, Petrus – as well as being a major component in others – Ausone and Cheval Blanc. It is safe to say that the majority of the wines we tasted did not approach these heights.

There were 11 countries represented, with South Africa (seven), Chile (six) and Italy (five) supplying more than half the wines, plus contributions from Australia (three), Argentina, Brazil, France, Turkey and the US (two each), and one wine from each of Greece and Spain.

All the wines we tasted received a medal, which is a positive sign that none were rejected for condition. In total, we awarded 18 Bronzes, eight Silvers and five Golds, plus one Master and one Grand Master.

However – and it’s a big however – there was a marked difference between the Merlot wines at the lower end of the price range and those higher up.

Below £15, there were 17 wines, of which 15 were Bronzes. There were two Silvers, one of which was the absolutely delightful Durbanville Hills Merlot Rosé, our first wine of the tasting and a joyful taste of summer just when we needed it. At around £10, this is a true bargain.

For the majority of the reds, the wines were smooth and easy to drink, with ripe fruit and soft tannins, if not the thrilling complexity one might find at the top end of the Merlot price spectrum.

Although these wines could disappoint the passionate Pomerol drinker, it’s important to recognise Merlot’s place in the world of cheaper wine, where the grape’s ability to deliver reliably juicy red berry flavours forms the basis of its popularity. Indeed, when made well, inexpensive Merlot, with its appealing sweet fruit and mellow mouthfeel, is something to celebrate.

Moving up a price bracket, the wines improved further, with five Silvers and only one Bronze, but it wasn’t until we reached £40 that we started to find Golds, with a gorgeous pair from Argentina and Spain, and a truly stunning Master from Italy, Sante Rosso Marca Trevigiana. It was Napa, though, that truly shone, with a lovely Gold from Mt. Brave and a Grand Master, the phenomenal Merlot from La Jota Vineyard. These wines show that, when Merlot has the right climate and the right investment in vineyards and the winery, it really can deliver something special.

Unoaked 100% Merlot Rosé

Unoaked 100% Red Merlot

Oaked 100% Merlot

Oaked Merlot Blend

About the competition

With high-quality judges and a unique sampling process, The Global Merlot Masters provides a chance for your wines to shine. The 2026 competition was judged on 4 February at Old Queen Street Cafe in London, employing experienced judges. The top entries were awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze medals according to their result, and those expressions that stood out as being outstanding received the ultimate accolades – the titles of Merlot Master or Grand Master. This report features medal winners only. Please visit the Global Masters website for more information or, to enter future competitions, with a chance to appear in print and online, call: +44 (0) 20 7803 2420 or email Sophie Aston at: [email protected]