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The Merlot variety of Vitis vinifera originates from Bordeaux, France and was first recorded in the Libourne area of the Right Bank in the late 18th century. Merlot is a natural partner for Cabernet Sauvignon and is found today in many of the wines of Bordeaux predominating in wines of Graves, Cotes de Bordeaux and those of the Right Bank. In Italy, Merlot is utilized widely as a blending grape with Sangiovese in the wines of Central Italy, with Nero d'Avola in Sicily, and with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah in the Super Tuscan wines of Central Italy. Further afield, Merlot is found as a lead blending partner with Syrah in California, with Tempranillo in Spain and with the Tannat grape in wines from Cote de Gascogne, South West France and Uruguay.
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As a single varietal, Merlot is the only grape variety in the famous Petrus of Pomerol, and in single status it is found in wines of the Dalmatian Coast, Roumania, USA's Washington State and the Napa Valley of California, as well as being prevalent in the Central Valley of Chile.
The Merlot grape is thin-skinned early flowering with its fruit ripening about a week before Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot gives high yields, low acidity, soft tannins and generous fruit with typical flavours which include: black cherry, black plums, black olive, tomato, beetroot, cedar, chocolate, earthy, liquorice, fruit cake. |
