Merlot Wine Information

Anyone who has seen the movie "Sideways" remembers the famous line "I am NOT drinking Merlot!" This echos the sentiment that Merlot is somehow less of a wine. However, this is not the case. This red wine continues to be a popular choice for drinking and pairing with food.

Region

Merlot grapes are grown heavily in Bordeaux, France and in California's Napa Valley. While preferring a warm climate, they are quite adaptable to cold.

Use

Merlot grapes are primarily used to make lone standing Merlot wine. However, because of its softness and fruitiness, it is also found in many blended wines and is used to soften the Cabernet Savignon red wine.

Bonuses

Merlot ripens earlier in the season than its cousin, Cabernet Savignon, so it can be sold earlier. It is softer and fruitier than the Cabernet, yet produces many of the same aromas and textures. This makes it more desirable to many wine drinkers

Detriments

This grape is very thin skinned and less hardy, which causes it to be susceptible to shatter (loss of fruit on the vine). The wine has been known to be over produced and often bottles will taste watered down. It also lacks ageability, meaning that over time, the wine tends to get worse instead of better.

Flavor

Merlot is generally characterized by flavors of green olive, cedar, currant, black pepper, mint, tobacco and tea leaf. Some of the more fruity varieties have hints of raspberry, blackberry, plum and cherry.

References

• Merlot
• Merlot Wine
• Merlot at DrinkWine.com