 Merlot is an indigenous grape of Bordeaux where currently represents almost 50% of all plantings. Two of the areas of Bordeaux in which Merlot had a great succes are Saint Emilion and Pomerol. The most classic example of fine Merlot is Chateau Petrus where this grape accounts for about 90% of the blend.
This grape variety belongs to the Cabernet family and its berries, because large and with a thin skin, are very sensible to cold and hot weather. Merlot is also more susceptible than Cabernet to fungus and mold diseases. It prefers arid soils, however it has been planted in many different areas showing a better
adaptabilty than Cabernet. Because it buds and flowers early, Merlot ripens on average 10 days before Cabernet and, for this reason, it is almost always safe from heavy rains. This fact is widely appreciated by the producers which recognize in Merlot a kind of insurance for their production.
The Merlot vine is not very vigorous and with the right conditions, yields can be as high as 8 tons per acre. Usually Merlot has been considered a blending grape. In fact, in France, south of the Gironde, Merlot is used to soften and add complexity in typical Medoc blends with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. A marginal role has been reserved to Merlot in California as well since its introduction in 1870. Later on, producers understood that Merlot was a grape that can easily stand alone. By California laws a wine can be called Merlot also if contains up to 25% of different grapes.
Merlot produces a wine deep in color, structured and at the same time smooth in texture. Wines made with Merlot are usually soft and fruity with reasonable tannins. This wine generally has more herbaceous sensations than Cabernet Sauvignon together with a lower acidity. Typical Merlot aromas include Violet, Rose, plum, cherry, wild berries and currant. Among the vegetal aromas are quite common bell pepper, tea and green olive. Secondary and tertiary aromas include vanilla, truffle, tobacco and oak.
It is a common belief that Merlot is not suitable for extensive cellaring. This statement is very wrong. Some of the best wines in the world are Merlot base: Chateau Petrus and Ornellaia Masseto are just two examples. |
