What is the expected sweetness level of a typical Merlot?

A typical Merlot is expected to have a dryness level, which is classified as dry. This means that the fermentation process converts most of the sugars from the grapes into alcohol, resulting in a wine that is not noticeably sweet on the palate. Merlot wines often possess ripe fruit flavors such as plum, cherry, and blackberry, which can give an impression of sweetness due to their fruitiness. However, the actual sugar content remains low, categorizing Merlot firmly in the dry range.

When assessing sweetness in wines, it's essential to recognize that terms like "off-dry" and "sweet" would indicate higher levels of residual sugar than what is typically found in Merlot. Similarly, "very sweet" would suggest an even more significant concentration of residual sugars, which is not characteristic of Merlot wines. Therefore, labeling a typical Merlot as dry is accurate and aligns with the expected profile of this varietal.