I’ve never been a big fan of a classic red manicure on myself, but when it comes to deeper shades, I’m all in. Burgundy nails , black cherry nails , spiced cherry nails ... these are all my speed. So, when a new expensive-looking crimson shade came along this fall, I was automatically on board. Meet merlot red nails, the rich, wine-inspired shade that’s giving my usual fall manicure colors some very chic competition. (I love a good glass of red wine almost as much as I love a good fall manicure, so this trend has been especially intriguing.)

These high-gloss, juicy nails combine red with subtle purple and berry undertones for a rich, full-bodied color (much like a full-bodied bottle of merlot). Ahead, I’ll break down everything you need to know about trending merlot nails, including inspo pics and how to tips from nail artist Vikki Swan .

As the name suggests, merlot nails take inspiration from the deep, reddish-purple color of a glass of merlot wine.…