Merlot wine

The deep blue Merlot grape is popular amongst winemakers for creating both exclusive varietal wines as well as for blending purposes. The soft and fleshy merlot grapes are brilliant at achieving many different blended variations. The most common combinations are Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot-Canernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Merlot is also one of the six components of the prized Bordeaux red wine.

Merlot is a comparatively inexpensive wine because of the high volumes produced worldwide. French vineyards contribute about two thirds of the total global produce. However, the grape is also widely used elsewhere by some of the world’s leading producers, including in Italy, California, Australia, Romania, Bulgaria, Argentina, Canada, Chile, Greece, South Africa, Switzerland, New Zealand, Mexico, Hungary, and Slovenia. Different aromatic variations dependent on provenance include tobacco, vanilla, mocha, clove, cedar, and graphite.

The wine has two main recognized styles.

The International style: A full-bodied purple wine, which is high in alcohol content. Grapes are picked late in the harvest season which creates a lush and velvety textured finish. Expect to find the notes and aromas of plum and blackberry when tasting.

Traditional Bordeaux style: The winemaker harvests the grapes much earlier in the season. Doing this creates a medium bodied wine with high acidity and a more moderate alcohol level. Expect to find the notes and aromas of raspberry, strawberry, and leafy vegetables when tasting.

Merlot grapes are distinct and easy to identify, they also tend to over ripen quickly. Picking the right time to harvest is a skill, as over ripening can occur overnight or in just a few days.