Merlot Flashcards
In what climates does Merlot prefer to grow?
Moderate
Warm
What is the climate of the Bordeaux region?
Moderate
From which region does Merlot originate?
Bordeaux, France
Describe the typical profile of Merlot made with just-ripe grapes.
Dry
Light to medium body
Medium acidity
Medium tannins
Red fruit
Green bell pepper
Describe the typical profile of Merlot made with riper grapes.
Dry
Medium to full body
Medium acidity
Medium tannins
Black fruit
Why is Merlot typically blended into other wines, especially with Cabernet Sauvignon?
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.
Does Merlot typically see oak or no oak?
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.
What are the 2 regional appellations used for Merlot that can be grown anywhere in Bordeaux?
Bordeaux AOC
Bordeaux Supérieur AOC
What is the difference between Bordeaux AOC and Bordeaux Supérieur AOC?
Bordeaux Supérieur AOC has tighter regulations:
Lower yields
Higher minimum alcohol
Slightly longer aging
Otherwise it’s the same grapes and methods as Bordeaux AOC.
Fill in the blank:
The 2 regional appellations, Bordeaux AOC and Bordeaux Supérieur AOC, are usually red blends dominated by _____.
Merlot
What weather threat does Bordeaux get a lot of and why?
Bordeaux gets lots of rainfall due to its adjacency to the Atlantic Ocean.
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.
Fill in the blank:
Bordeaux is sectioned into the _____ Bank and _____ Bank by the Gironde Estuary.
Left, Right
What 7 famous appellations lie in the area known as the Left Bank?
Médoc AOC
Haut-Médoc AOC
Pauillac AOC
Margaux AOC
Graves AOC
Pessac-Léognan AOC
Sauternes AOC (sweet wine only)
These AOCs are located on the west side of the Gironde and Garonne Rivers.