The Sommelier’s Guide to Merlot

Merlot comes second only to Cabernet Sauvignon in international popularity. From New Zealand to France to the United States, Merlot grapes are planted all over the world. Although wines made exclusively from Merlot grapes have achieved notary on their own, the grapes are also one of the five varieties used in blending famous Bordeaux wines.

From its rich history to some lesser known fun facts, we’ve compiled all you need to know about Merlot.

The Migration of Merlot

The word Merlot is believed to originate from “merle,” which is the French word for little blackbird. The inky black color of the skin of Merlot grapes is comparable to the hue of the coat of a blackbird. Others believe the name can be attributed to the blackbirds’ love of the grapes.

The first mention of Merlot was in late 18th century France in Bordeaux. Merlot has been cultivated in France’s Medoc region since the 19th century. Due to problems Merlot harvests experienced in the 1950’s and 1960’s, as a result of frost and rot, French authorities prohibited planting the vines in Bordeaux from 1970-1975. Merlot vines began to appear in substantial numbers in Italy at the end of the 19th century. Today, the grapes grow throughout all of Italy, from Sicily all the way to the Alto Adige.

Antoine Delmas is credited with bringing Merlot to California in the 1850’s. However, there were few vines left in the state after Prohibition. In 1960, there were a total of two acres of Merlot grapes planted in all of California.

Quick Guide to Merlot:
Serving Temperature:	60–62°F
Storage Temperature:	55°F
Suggested Food Pairings:	Roasted Meats, Poultry, Pasta Dishes, Gruyere
Suggested Glass Shape:	Medium to large bowl with a slightly tapered rim  –  View Example

Many new vines were planted in the 1970’s, but red wine consumption in the United States increased dramatically in the 1990’s after a 1991 60 Minutes report entitled, “The French Paradox” was released. The piece was one of the first to make the claim that drinking red wine can help to reduce the chances of heart disease. By 2005, the acreage of California Merlot vines had risen to 56,200 acres.

Vines Worldwide

Over 60% of the world’s Merlot grapes are grown in France, and it is the most predominant grape variety in the country. Italy is the number two Merlot producing country. Merlot grapes are also grown in Switzerland, Austria and a number of eastern European countries. In the United States, California produces the most Merlot. Monterrey, Napa, and Sonoma Counties are world renowned for their Merlot vineyards.

Merlot has also played an instrumental role in the Washington State wine industry. Originally, there was a concern that Washington State did not have a warm enough climate to successfully grow red wine grapes, but the state’s highly successful Merlot vineyards quickly put those doubts to rest. In Latin America, Merlot is cultivated in Mexico, Argentina and Chile. New Zealand, Australia and South Africa also have Merlot vineyards.

The Grapes

Merlot vines produce some of the first buds of the season. The resulting blue-black grapes grow in small to mid-sized clusters. The leaves are average in size and have a unique, overlapping five lobe structure. The grapes grow well in cool and warm temperatures. Once they ripen, the grapes have a tendency to swiftly over-ripen.

Some vintners prefer to pick the grapes early, so they are better able to hold their acidity. The result may be a vintage that is more likely to improve with age. The other strategy is to wait and pick slightly over-ripe grapes, which may yield a more full-bodied wine. Some vintners believe older vines can produce grapes that bring unique character to the wine.

Characteristics of Merlot

Merlot wines produced in cooler climates, such as those produced in France and Northern Italy, will have a higher tannin concentration and trend more towards full-bodied. Dark fruits, such as blackberries and blueberries, will be found in cool-climate Merlots, as well as a wide variety of earthy flavors, such as tobacco and limestone.

Warmer climate Merlot wines from California have red berry notes and very soft tannins. The Merlots produced in warmer climates are easier to drink and less structured than those produced in cooler climates. Some California vintners will give their Merlot wines more richness and robustness by aging them in oak.

Merlot Food Pairings

Because it is largely a medium-bodied red wine, Merlot is relatively easy to pair with food. Grilled or roasted meats work well with the wine as do foods wrapped in bacon and prosciutto. Hearty pasta dishes and even chocolate compliment Merlot nicely. Good cheese pairings include Medium Cheddar, Smoked Gouda and Gruyere.

Although the roots of Merlot grapes are in 18th century France, they are now grown in many other parts of the world. A widely grown and internationally adored wine, Merlot has earned its spot as a highly respected red wine.

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• 3 Popular French Grape Varieties
• 4 Dirty Little Secrets About Regional Wines
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• How Oxygen Improves the Nose & Flavor of your Wine