3.14 Merlot Flashcards
In what climates does Merlot thrive?
Moderate
Warm
Name 6 countries known for production of quality Merlot
France
United States
South Africa
New Zealand
Australia
Chile
What’s M’s “home-land”
Bordeaux, France
Describe the aroma/flavor profile and structure of M.
It varies!
Just ripe grapes:
* Dry
* Light to medium body
* Medium acidity
* Medium tannins
* Red fruit
* Green bell pepper
Riper grapes:
* Dry
* Medium to full body
* Medium acidity
* Medium tannins
* Black fruit
How are riper style Ms achieved?
warm climate
OR
harvesting later in a moderate climate
Is M blended or single varietal?
Both
Why is M typically blended into other wines, especially with Cabernet Sauvignon?
- Merlot softens the more aggressive tannins of other grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Merlot also adds red fruit flavors and approachability allowing the wine to be drunk younger.
Is M oaked or un- oaked?
It depends…..
Just-ripe Merlot - which is lighter in body, it doesn’t usually see oak.
Riper Merlot - which is fuller in body, this style is usually enhanced by the use of oak which adds complexity and flavor.
Are M wines age-worthy?
Yes
They can develop notes of dried fruit & tobacco
What are the 2 regional appellations used for Merlot that can be grown anywhere in Bordeaux?
- Bordeaux AOC
- Bordeaux Supérieur AOC
What’s the difference between Bordeaux AOC and Bordeaux Supérieur AOC?
Bordeaux Supérieur AOC has stricter regulations:
* Lower yields
* Higher minimum alcohol
* Slightly longer aging
What grape contributes the largest percentage to Bordeaux AOC and Bordeaux Supérieur AOC?
Merlot
What’s the climate of Bordeaux?
Moderate with lots of rain
Are Bordeaux reds usually blended or single varietal?
Blended
Which grape is the most extensively planted in the Bordeaux region?
Merlot
What are the rivers of Bordeaux?
Garonne and Dordogne Rivers which flow into the Gironde Estuary.
Name the 3 main subregions of Bordeaux (in refence to the 3 rivers)
Left Bank
Right Bank
Entre-deux-mers
Are Left Bank or Right Bank wines generally more Merlot dominate?
Right Bank
Name 3 famous appellations on the Right Bank.
- Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC
- Saint-Émilion AOC
- Pomerol AOC
Name 7 famous appellations on Left Bank?
- Médoc AOC
- Haut-Médoc AOC
- Pauillac AOC
- Margaux AOC
- Graves AOC
- Pessac-Léognan AOC
- Sauternes AOC (sweet wine only)
Describe the style of Merlot-based blends from Pomerol AOC and Saint-Émilion AOC.
- Dry
- Full body
- Concentrated black fruits
- Oak
What’s the climate type of Languedoc-Roussilion?
Warm
In the Languedoc, what are Merlot’s typical blending partners?
Cabernet
Syrah
Grenache
(there are a few single varietal wines produced…..most are blended to enhance quality)
What appellation in California makes M in a simple, fruity, medium-bodied style?
California AVA
Name 2 regions in California that make M in a concentrated, full-bodied style.
Sonoma
Napa Valley
Is it common for California Merlots to be influenced by oak, be it from oak chips or new oak barrels?
Very!
What area of Chile allows for high yield/high volume M?
Central Valley
Which region of South Africa is known for its Bordeaux red blends?
Stellenbosch
Which region in Australia uses Merlot to produce Bordeaux red blends?
Margaret River
Which region in New Zealand uses Merlot in their Bordeaux red blends?
Hawke’s Bay
Merlot in Hawke’s Bay can be bottled as a single varietal or used in blends, with styles ranging from light and approachable to full and age-worthy.
