Merlot

Question 1

In what climates does Merlot prefer to grow?

Answer 1

• Moderate* Warm

Question 2

From which region does Merlot originate?

Answer 2

Bordeaux, France

Question 3

What is the climate of the Bordeaux region?

Answer 3

Moderate

Question 4

Describe the typical profile of Merlot made with just-ripe grapes.

Answer 4

• Dry* Light to medium body* Medium acidity* Medium tannins* Red fruit* Green bell pepper

Question 5

Describe the typical profile of Merlot made with riper grapes.

Answer 5

• Dry* Medium to full body* Medium acidity* Medium tannins* Black fruit

Question 6

Why is Merlot typically blended into other wines, especially with Cabernet Sauvignon?

Answer 6

Merlot softens the harder-edged tannins of other grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon.Merlot also adds red fruit flavors and approachability allowing the wine to be drunk younger.

Question 7

Does Merlot typically see oak or no oak?

Answer 7

It depends on the style.For just-ripe Merlot which is lighter in body, it doesn’t usually see oak.For riper Merlot which is fuller in body, this style is usually enhanced by the use of oak which adds complexity and flavor.

Question 8

What are the 2 regional appellations used for Merlot that can be grown anywhere in Bordeaux?

Answer 8

1. Bordeaux AOC2. Bordeaux Supérieur AOC

Question 9

What is the difference between Bordeaux AOC and Bordeaux Supérieur AOC?

Answer 9

Bordeaux Supérieur AOC has tighter regulations:* Lower yields* Higher minimum alcohol* Slightly longer agingOtherwise it’s the same grapes and methods as Bordeaux AOC.

Question 10

The 2 regional appellations, Bordeaux AOC and Bordeaux Supérieur AOC, are usually red blends dominated by _____.

Answer 10

Merlot

Question 11

What weather threat does Bordeaux get a lot of and why?

Answer 11

Bordeaux gets lots of rainfall due to its adjacency to the Atlantic Ocean.

Question 12

Which grape is the most extensively planted in the Bordeaux region?

Answer 12

Merlot

Question 13

What are the rivers of Bordeaux?

Answer 13

Garonne and Dordogne Rivers which flow into the Gironde Estuary.

Question 14

Bordeaux is sectioned into the _____ Bank and _____ Bank by the Gironde Estuary.

Answer 14

Left Bank and Right Bank

Question 15

What 7 famous appellations lie in the area known as the Left Bank?

Answer 15

• Médoc AOC * Haut-Médoc AOC * Pauillac AOC * Margaux AOC* Graves AOC * Pessac-Léognan AOC* Sauternes AOC (sweet wine only)## FootnoteThese AOCs are located on the west side of the Gironde and Garonne Rivers.

Question 16

What 3 famous appellations lie in the area known as the Right Bank?

Answer 16

• Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC* Saint-Émilion AOC* Pomerol AOC## FootnoteThese AOCs are located north/northeast of the Dordogne River.

Question 17

While Merlot is typically the greater part of the blend on the _____ Bank, Cabernet Sauvignon makes up the greater proportion of red blends on the _____ Bank.

Answer 17

Merlot –> Right BankCabernet Sauvignon –> Left Bank

Question 18

Describe the style of Merlot-based blends from Pomerol AOC and Saint-Émilion AOC.

Answer 18

• Dry* Full body* Concentrated black fruits* Oak

Question 19

Merlot also grows in the south of France. What grapes is it usually blended with there?

Answer 19

• Grenache* Syrah* Cabernet Sauvignon## FootnoteThere are a handful of examples of Merlot from the South of France bottled as a single varietal, but it typically performs best when it’s blended.

Question 20

What countries outside of France grow a fair amount of Merlot?

Answer 20

• United States* Chile* South Africa* Australia* New Zealand

Question 21

What appellation in California makes Merlot in an easy-going, medium-bodied, fruity style?

Answer 21

California appellation## FootnoteWith the California appellation, the grapes can be sourced from anywhere within the state of California.

Question 22

Which 2 appellations in California make full-bodied, robust styles of Merlot?

Answer 22

1. Napa Valley2. Sonoma

Question 23

How common is it for California Merlots to be influenced by oak, be it from oak chips or new oak barrels?

Answer 23

Very common## FootnoteOak flavors include vanilla, coconut, spice and smoke.

Question 24

What area of Chile allows for high yields and high volume of Merlot?

Answer 24

Central Valley## FootnoteChile’s Central Valley is warm and dry, perfect for making soft, approachable Merlot.

Question 25

Which region of South Africa is known for its Bordeaux red blends?Why?

Answer 25

StellenboschStellenbosch’s mountainous landscape ranges from a moderate to warm climate and is influenced by varying elevation and ocean breezes.

Question 26

Which region in Australia uses Merlot in their Bordeaux red blends?

Answer 26

Margaret River

Question 27

The majority of Merlot in New Zealand comes from which region?

Answer 27

Hawke’s Bay, on the North Island## FootnoteMerlot 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.

Question 28

What makes the climate in Hawke’s Bay so good at growing Merlot?

Answer 28

Climate is moderate with good deal of rainfall.