Merlot - A supple and rounded red from Bordeaux: Culinaries

A grape variety born in Bordeaux

Merlot is now one of the most planted grape varieties in the world, but its origin is deeply rooted in Bordeaux. The first mentions date back to the 18th century, where it was described as a black grape grown in the vineyards of Libourne, on the right bank of the Dordogne. Its name is said to come from the "merle" (blackbird), which is fond of its ripe and sweet berries.

Probably resulting from a natural cross between Magdeleine Noire des Charentes and Cabernet Franc, it quickly seduced winemakers for its ability to produce supple, round, and accessible wines. Unlike its cousin Cabernet Sauvignon, which is more austere in its youth, it offers a caressing texture and charming fruitiness from its early years.

Global expansion

After conquering Bordeaux, Merlot spread to many French vineyards. It is found in Languedoc-Roussillon, where it is vinified alone or blended, and in the South-West, often associated with Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon.

But it is on the right bank of Bordeaux that it reaches its peak. In Pomerol, it reigns supreme, giving rise to mythical cuvées such as Château Pétrus. In Saint-Émilion, it often shares the spotlight with Cabernet Franc, producing wines of incomparable complexity and elegance.

Its success did not stop at the French borders. Merlot is now planted in Italy, particularly in Veneto and Tuscany, but also in Spain, Switzerland, and Eastern Europe. Globally, it found a new land of choice in California, where it became extremely popular in the 1980s and 1990s. It is also found in Chile, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and even South Africa. This expansion testifies to its versatility and incredible adaptability.

Synonyms and appellations

Like many old grape varieties, Merlot has several synonyms. It is sometimes called Bigney, Crabatut Noir, or Sémillon Rouge in some ancient documents. But its preferred name remains Merlot, universally recognized and synonymous with roundness and fruit.

Physical description of the grape variety

Merlot is a vigorous vine, but sensitive to climatic conditions. Its bunches are medium to large, cylindrical, sometimes winged. The berries are round, with a thin, deep black-blue skin, covered with abundant bloom. Their flesh is juicy, sweet, hence the attraction of the birds that gave it its name.

The leaves are large, whole, and bright green. Budburst is early, which makes Merlot susceptible to spring frosts. However, its ripeness is relatively early, which allows it to achieve a good concentration of sugar and aromas in regions where other later-ripening varieties struggle.

Viticultural characteristics

Merlot loves cool, clayey soils, which allow it to maintain good acidity despite its richness in sugar. Gravelly or calcareous soils are also suitable, but it is on the heavy clays of Pomerol that it achieves a masterful expression.

It is a variety that does not tolerate extreme drought well and can suffer from excessive heat. However, in temperate climates, it expresses all its generosity. Its early ripeness allows it to avoid overly late harvests and to produce fleshy wines even in cooler vintages.

Its natural yield is high, but to obtain quality wines, it is necessary to control it. If too productive, it produces soft and flat wines. Grown at low yields, it reveals incomparable depth, body, and elegance.

A round and seductive aromatic profile

Merlot is above all synonymous with roundness and fruit. Its dominant aromas are plum, black cherry, blackberry, and blackcurrant. In its youth, it seduces with its aromatic intensity and supple palate.

With age, it develops more complex notes: truffle, chocolate, coffee, blond tobacco, leather. Great Merlots for aging can reach an impressive level of refinement, rivalling Cabernets.

On the palate, it offers a broad attack, a velvety texture, and melted tannins. Its freshness is not always as pronounced as that of Cabernet Sauvignon, but its generosity and immediate charm make it a universally appreciated grape variety.

Styles of wines produced

Merlot grape variety