The best replacement for merlot is cabernet.

The best alternatives to merlot are rated as following:
★★★★★  cabernet
★★★★  pinot noir
★★★  shiraz
★★★  cabernet sauvignon
★★★  chardonnay
★★  zinfandel
★  malbec
★  claret
★  pinot
★  cab
★  cabernet heavier
★  cabernet dryer
★  burgundy
  cabernet sweeter
  pinot grigio
  syrah
  pinot noir taste
  moscato
  marsala
  white merlot
  chianti
  sauvignon
  pinot noir sweeter
  sauvignon blanc
  red wine
  bordeaux
  sangria
  cabernet franc
  riesling
  pinot noir wine
  rioja
  cabernet wine
  cabernet merlot

Your alternative for merlot is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about merlot, one probably shouldn't forget about cheese.

Other search terms related to merlot and their ratings are:
★★★★★ cheese
You have in mind a companion for merlot and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

Scale is based on the average worldwide traffic of merlot in all years. Click on graph for more.
merlot
cabernet
pinot noir