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Morphological characteristics of Merlot grapes

Merlot, the most widely known as “Merlot” and “Merlot”, is a red grape variety that appeared at the end of the 18th century. It is planted in most of the Bordeaux producing areas, accounting for 58% of the total grape-growing area, and it is also the most widely planted grape variety in France. Outside of France, it is also widely grown in various parts of the world, including the United States, Italy and Eastern Europe.

Morphological characteristics

Merlot’s fruit is dark blue, with a small body and thin skin. It is earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon (Cabernet Sauvignon), but it is prone to rot if it is harvested too much rain. Because it likes cool and water-retaining soils, it has an excellent performance in the calcareous clays of Saint-Emilion and Bordeaux on the right bank of Bordeaux.

The legendary Pétrus estate in Bordeaux usually uses 95% Merlot to make its wines. In the warmer Languedoc-Rousillon appellation in southern France, Merlot has become the most successful “improved grape” since its introduction in the 1980s, with vastly improved qualities.

Merlot produces darker wines with rich fruit aromas of red and black berries (red cherries, strawberries, black cherries, cassis), and also produces dried plums, bushes, cedar and spice during aging. Alluring. A good Merlot has rich, silky tannins and a silky texture. Therefore, it is accompanied by strong Cabernet Sauvignon to become a classic pairing with softness in the blend, especially common in Bordeaux.

Winemaking

“Merlot” wines have dark fruit flavors (blackberry, black plum, black cherry, etc.), full body, medium to low acidity, high alcohol content, soft tannins, moderate content and rich taste Smooth, balanced, full-bodied, ruby ​​red, clear and transparent. Wine production process: “Merlot” grapes – sorting – destemming – crushing (80% crushing rate) – fermentation – pressing and separation – malolactic fermentation – blending – storage and aging – clarification – filtration – stabilization treatment – sterilization Filtration-filling-finished product.

Distribution range

Merlot is widely grown in France, Italy, Switzerland, Eastern Europe and the New World, with outstanding regions including Ticino in Switzerland, Bordeaux in France and Languedoc-Roussillon. , Napa Valley and Sonoma, California, Yakima Valley, Washington, Long Island North Fork, Long Island, New York, Stellenbosch, South Africa ), the Margaret River in Australia, the Central Valley in Chile, etc.

Planting area

United States, France, Italy, Chile, Australia, South Africa, Argentina