Merlot

See Merlot Wine section in Anuva Wine Store.

French origin of Merlot

The classic Merlot grapes grow on the west bank of the Gironde River of southern France. Merlot is the most planted varietal there. West bank regions include Saint-Emilion, Pomerol, Bourg, and Blaye. Saint-Emilion is one of the main wine growing regions of Bordeaux and contains Roman-planted vineyards dating back to the second century C.E. Located just west of Saint-Emilion, Pomeral is also an important region of Bordeaux. Blaye and Bourg are smaller wine appellations in Bordeaux. The name “Merlot” derives from the Occitan (a language from the South of France) word signifying “young blackbird,” most likely because of the grape’s hue. 

Commonly grown in...

Merlot commonly grows in its native France, the Friuli region of Italy, Hungary, California, Argentina, and Chile. The Alto Valle (in the Rio Negro Province), Maipu, Lujan de Cuyo (both in Mendoza), Cruz de Piedra (in the small winegrowing province San Luis), and Patagonia regions of Argentina successfully produce Merlot grapes.  Due to the dryness of Mendoza, Argentina vineyards control irrigation to the vines to create the best soil. Merlot grapes mature in early March in Argentina before most other varietals—a quality that makes Merlot wine easy to produce.

Desirable climate

The best climate for Merlot is mild and dry.  A small issue with cooler climates is the difficulty to control rotting and disease, as Merlot has a predisposition for these problems. Merlot grapes have a thick skin surrounding their juicy interior loaded with sugars, which ultimately generate high alcohol content. Other varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, that have harsher acidity or tannins often mix with Merlot due to its tame acidity and smooth texture.

Typicity

Softer and less tannic than its neighbor Cabernet-Sauvignon on the east bank of the Gironde, Merlot is reminiscent of black fruit, spice, and violet flavors. Depending on the environment, Merlot can taste more of chocolate in warmer climates and more of red berries and plums in cooler climates—like those of Argentina.   Merlot absorbs oak well, obtaining vanilla, coconut, and smoke notes in many wines.

tags: merlot ·