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Merlot
Merlot is a red wine grape variety that is widely grown in various wine regions, especially in Bordeaux, France. Considered a very versatile grape, it can produce a range of wine styles, from lighter, fruitier wines to more complex, full-bodied wines with aging potential.
The name Merlot is derived from the French language. Its exact etymology is not known but is believed to be a variation of the local Bordeaux dialect word merlot, which means "young blackbird." This name is thought to have been given to the grape variety due to the dark blue or black colour of its grapes, which are similar in colour to the plumage of a blackbird. Merlot is known by several other names, depending on the region it is grown, such as Picard, Langon.
Merlot grapes are widely cultivated for wine production, and are known for their versatility, adaptability and ease of cultivation. Well-suited to a range of climates from cool to warm, it can be grown in areas with moderate rainfall and in a variety of soil types. Merlot vines are often pruned using the Guyot method, which involves removing all but two or three buds on each spur. This helps to regulate the vigour of the vine and increase the quality of the fruit. The vines are often trained using the horizontal cordons or vertical shoot positioning systems. This allows for easy access to the fruit for harvesting, which usually takes place in late September to early October.
Examples of notable Merlot wines includes those of Château Petrus and Château Leoville Barton blends in Bordeaux, and the full-bodied, fruit-forward varietal wines of Silver Oak and Caymus Vineyards in California.
Notable regions
Bordeaux is one of the most famous Merlot wine-producing regions in the world, where it is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc to produce complex and nuanced styles. It is also widely grown throughout southern France.
Other important Merlot regions includes Italy, Chile and US states such as California and Washington.
Characteristics
Merlot wines are typically known for their medium to full body, moderate tannins, and balanced acidity. As the grape is cultivated with success in a variety of climates and terroir, the characteristics of the wine can be varied.
Typical aromas of Merlot wines tend to include dark, ripe fruit such as black cherry, plum, and blackberry. They can also have notes of vanilla, spice, and chocolate from oak aging while some wines may also have hints of herbs, earth, and leather. The dominant flavours are similar to their aromas, with a focus on ripe, dark fruit.