Winking Owl Merlot from Aldi is a red wine with subtle flavors of black cherry, mixed berries, and a bit of vanilla. Pairs well with steak, pork chops, and pasta dishes. Merlot is a soft and easy drinking red wine that is very approachable for your first entry into red wine. Merlot grapes give this wine fruitiness with soft and mild tannins that make it a great wine to pair with food or on it’s own.
Winking Owl Merlot Details
- Price: $2.95 (Prices vary based on location)
- Alcohol content: 12% ABV
- Serving Temperature: 60-65°F (15-18°C)
- Calories per glass (5oz): 120 calories (estimate)
- Is Merlot dry or sweet?: Dry
- Country of Origin: USA
- California Merlot (Red Wine)
- 750 mL Glass Bottle
- View at Aldi.US
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How much does Winking Owl Wine Cost?
Bottles of Winking Owl Merlot generally sell for about $3 in most locations. The price will vary due to local and state laws as some states have minimum prices for alcohol and some states have a higher tax on alcohol. Winking Owl will still generally be among the cheapest wine in your area.
What is the alcohol content of Winking Owl Merlot?
Aldi’s Merlot is 12% alcohol by volume. This is fairly typical for a dry red wine although it is on the lower side. Merlot is often 13-15% alcohol by volume but this varies.
What temperature should I serve Merlot at?
You should serve Merlot at room temp or slightly chilled to 60-65°F (15-18°C). This can be accomplished by putting it in the fridge for about 15 minutes before serving.
How many calories in a glass of Winking Owl Merlot?
A standard 5oz glass of this Merlot will have about 130 calories. A typical 750 ml bottle of wine will have about 5 glasses equaling around 650 calories if you want the whole bottle.
Is Merlot sweet or dry?
This Merlot from Aldi is dry but has fruitiness and soft tannins that balance it. This will typically taste sweeter than a cabernet sauvignon but not as sweet as a sweet red wine.
More Aldi Wine, Beer, and Alcohol Reviews: Red Wine –White Wine – Beer – All Alcohol – Winking Owl
Winking Owl Wine is one of Aldi’s most well-known wines and for good reason, it is one of the cheapest wines available and is surprisingly good for the price. How does the Merlot stack up? Leave a review below and let us know what you think!

Reviews of Winking Owl Merlot
Surprisingly good!
Actually, I’m shocked how good this wine taste for the price. It’s somewhat dry, but with every so slightly sweet fruity notes. I’ve had many more expensive wines that I liked way less.