Definition: Merlot

A red grape variety named after the blackbird. A craving for Merlot...

In Switzerland, it is the Merlots of Ticino in particular, whose popularity continues to grow, that offer a wide range of qualities. It is grown on a small scale in the canton of Geneva.

Origin and distribution:

It is part of the Carmenets family (making it a cousin of Cabernets and Carménère). Merlot originates from the Bordeaux region of France. It may come from the Libourne region, where it is first mentioned as "merlau". Its name may come from the blackbird (in patois, merlot is a small blackbird). Either because this bird gorged itself on these sweet grapes, or because of its bluish-black plumage.

It was not formally identified as a grape variety until the 18th century. It appeared in 1789 in the Luxembourg Garden collection.

Its sensitivity to coulure made it a second-rate grape variety. It was phylloxera that led to its rise. Grafting Malbec N produced a large crop of grapes, which were watery and very susceptible to rot. Merlot N therefore succeeded it, bringing roundness, finesse and complexity to Cabernet Sauvignon N. Clonal selection improved its production consistency in the 1960s. It then became an easy grape variety to grow and vinify, producing a complex wine that is easy to drink and does not require long ageing, even though it can be stored for a long time.

Today, it is grown in France and California, but also elsewhere in the world (Italy, Australia, Chile, Bulgaria, Moldova, etc.).

In France, it is mainly found in Bordeaux, the South-West in AOC (it gives Cahors blends their roundness), and in Languedoc-Roussillon in vin de pays. It is the almost exclusive grape variety of the Pomerol AOC and is predominant in the Saint-Émilion AOC.

The area planted in French vineyards now exceeds 100,000 hectares, including approximately 68,000 hectares in Bordeaux and the south-west and 25,000 hectares in Languedoc-Roussillon, making it the most widely grown grape variety in France (source: 2000 agricultural census).

In Italy, it is mainly grown in Tuscany and Veneto. It is authorised in the DOC appellations of Alto Adige, Aprilia, Assisi, Bagnoli di Sopra, Bolgheri, Breganze, Capriano del Colle, Carso, Castelli Romani, Circeo, Colli Altotiberini, Colli Berici, Colli Bolognesi, Colli del Trasimeno, Colli dell'Etruria Centrale, Colli di Conegliano, Colli di Faenza, Colli di Scandiano e di Canossa, Colli Etruschi Viterbesi, Colli Morenici Mantovani del Garda, Colli Orientali del Friuli, Colline Lucchesi, Collio Goriziano, Contea di Sclafani, Contessa Entellina, Controguerra, Delia Nivolelli, Franciacorta, Friuli Annia, Friuli Aquileia, Friuli Grave, Friuli Isonzo, Friuli Latisana, Garda, Garda Colli Mantovani, Lago di Corbara, Lison Pramaggiore, Menfi, Montello e Colli Asolani, Vini del Piave, Pomino, Rosso Orvietano, Sant'Antimo, Sciacca, Terre di Franciacorta, Trentino, Valcalepio and Valdichiana.

Light, rustic wines, reminiscent of the days of boccalino, are gradually being replaced by modern, elegant, rounded wines, most often aged in oak barrels.

Although some of the most noble and expensive Bordeaux wines (Pomerol) are made from 100% Merlot, this grape variety owes its success to its ability to be blended with other varieties. In particular, Cabernet Sauvignon, whose rich structure blends perfectly with the softness and roundness of Merlot.

Merlot ripens early and therefore reaches a very good level of maturity, producing a wine with a slightly higher alcohol content. It is also very well suited to ageing in wooden barrels, which gives the wine roasted aromas.