Merlot
In Pomerol and Saint-Emilion, Merlot is the primary red grape, and one of two primaries, the other being Cabernet Sauvignon, of the Medoc area. Particularly well adapted for sandy and clay-based soils this grape is characterized by the suppleness and roundness that it confers to the wines.
The berry is relatively thin-skinned and somewhat prone to rot. Since Merlot both buds and flowers early, wine growers' main concern is the varietals susceptibility to shatter (or coulure), because of frost, rain, or early heat waves in the Spring season. But on the positive side, Merlot is highly appreciated when rain is a concern at late harvest time as Merlot grapes ripen earlier than the Cabernet-Sauvignon or Cabernet-Franc varieties.
Merlot softens some of the hard aspects of Cabernet and provides silky texture and roundness to the wines. Overall, its flavour tends to be less distinctive and slightly more herbaceous in both aroma and taste. Mint, plum, currant and black cherry aromas mainly characterize Merlot wines. They usually have more delicate tannins than Cabernet. These flavours usually evolve to more roasted and humus notes as the wine ages.
Over the World, Merlot is grown with much success in many warm areas such as Australia, Southern France, California, Italy and Latin America.
[ Other Bordeaux varieties ]
