3.3 | Principal Black Grape Varieties - Merlot Flashcards
Where is the homeland of Merlot?
Bordeaux (though today it is exported and planted widely throughout world)
Characteristics of Merlot?
black grape
moderate to warm climate
dry, medium acidity and tannin
oaked or unoaked (fuller-bodied Merlot benefits from extended oak maturation)
aromas vary based on grape ripeness.
Just-ripe Merlot grapes: light to medium-bodied, red fruit (strawberry, red plum), herbaceous (green bell pepper)
riper Merlot grapes: medium to full body, cooked black-fruit (blackberry black plum).
In what conditions is a riper style of Merlot produced?
warm climate, or late harvest in moderate climate
Why is Merlot often blended with Cabernet?
It contributes red-fruit and lowers tannins, making the wine ready to drink earlier.
what tertiary aromas does Merlot develop with age?
dried fruit, tobacco
What are the important regions for Merlot?
France: Bordeaux
Regionally Important Labelling Terms in Bordeaux:
Regional Appellations (Bordeaux AOC, Bordeaux -Supérieur AOC)
Left Bank Appellations
- Médoc AOC
- Haut-Médoc AOC
- Margaux AOC
- Pauillac AOC
- Graves AOC
- Pessac-Léognan AOC
Right Bank Appellations
- Pomerol AOC
- Saint-Émilion AOC
- Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC
USA: California, Napa Valley, Sonoma.
Chile: Central Valley
South Africa: Stellenbosch
Australia: Margaret River
New Zealand: Hawke’s Bay
What is the climate of Bordeaux in southwest France?
moderate climate
high levels rainfall (due to proximity to Atlantic Ocean)
In the Right Bank and Left Bank of Bordeaux, where are Cabernet and Merlot dominant?
Cabernet is dominant in Left Bank. Merlot is dominant in Right Bank. Merlot is the most widely planted variety in Bordeaux but most Bordeaux red wines are a blend of Merlot and Cabernet
What are two Merlot-dominated regional appellations that can be made from vines planted anywhere in Bordeaux?
Bordeaux AOC and Bordeaux Supérieur
In which three ways is Bordeaux Supérieur AOC subject to tighter regulations than Bordeaux AOC?
minimum alcohol, yields, ageing
Which 2 Right Bank wines in Bordeaux are the most famous Merlot-dominated wines? What are their characteristics?
Saint-émilion AOC
Pomerol AOC
characteristics: full-bodied pronounced black fruit flavors from oak maturation age well in bottle, and develop tertiary flavors of dried fruit, tobacco
What are blending partners for Merlot in South of France?
Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet.
California makes Merlot-based blends across a range of styles and qualities. What differentiates wines labelled “California” from Napa and Sonoma wines?
“California” = medium-bodied, fruity
Napa and Sonoma = fuller-bodied, more concentrated
California reds notable for pronounced oak flavors (vanilla, coconut, smoke). Very good to outstanding wines often aged in new oak
Which region is known for producing high yields of soft, medium-bodied Merlot for high-volume brands?
Central Valley, Chile*
*note that fresher styles can be made as well in areas moderated by altitude
which region in South Africa has a reputation for producing complex, age-worthy red wines made from Bordeaux varieties?
Stellenbosch
