Merlot

Question 1

Where is Merlot

Answer 1

Bordeaux

Question 2

Use primarily? (Merlot)

Answer 2

Blender wine for other bordeaux reds such as cabernet franc

Question 3

Why is it called a vanderbas? (Merlot)

Answer 3

Base wine or blender wine

Question 4

Where is Merlot blended in the highest percentage? Left or Right bank?

Answer 4

Right bank

Question 5

Colours? (Merlot)

Answer 5

Medium to dark ruby red

Question 6

Flavours? (Merlot)

Answer 6

Ripe red fruit, compared to black fruit in Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 7

What berry flavours? (Merlot)

Answer 7

Raspberry, strawberry, black cherry

Question 8

Cassis flavours? (Merlot)

Answer 8

Dark black currant, blackberry

Question 9

Secondary flavours? (Merlot)

Answer 9

Herbaceous, with some menthol or hay

Leafy would be common to Bordeaux family

Question 10

Earthiness? (Merlot)

Answer 10

Yes, may even have some leathery notes

Question 11

Flavor profile of riper merlots

Answer 11

Raisin, prune or fig attributes

Question 12

Is merlot aged in oak?

Answer 12

Yes often and gives smoky char, vanilla, earthiness, leatheriness

Question 13

What notes does Cabernet bring to the blend? (Merlot)

Answer 13

Black fruit, pepper

Question 14

Cabernet Franc bring to the blend? (Merlot)

Answer 14

Black cherry

Question 15

WHat does petit Verdot bring to the blend? (Merlot)

Answer 15

Colour, tannins

Question 16

Strength of merlot

Answer 16

Unites other wines results in solidity and complexity, rich seamless Flavor presentation.

Adds flesh and sweetness

Question 17

Difference between soil of left (Medoc) and right bank (Merlot)

Answer 17

Left - gravelly, limestone underneath.
RIght - limestone surface and more clay.

Question 18

How does Merlot contribute to Bordeaux blends? (Merlot)

Answer 18

Adds sweetness (plumminess) and frame/structure to the blends

Question 19

Unique notes of Merlot (Merlot)

Answer 19

Boisterous black cherry flavours, followed by smoky /chocolates finish

Question 20

Secondary notes of Right Bank Merlot (Libournais)

Answer 20

Cedar, leather and incense notes. Also, potting soil and clay pot.

Question 21

Difference between Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc

Answer 21

Softier, fruitier

Question 22

Merlot-dominated blends vs Cabernet blends

Answer 22

Sweeter and plummier

Question 23

Pairs well with (merlot)

Answer 23

Roasted foods like pork shoulder, roasted mushrooms, braised short ribs

Question 24

Descriptors for Merlot

Answer 24

Bold, rich , round, plummy

Question 25

Merlot flavours

Answer 25

Dark cherry, plum, blueberries, dark chocolate, tobacco, cedar, leather

Question 26

Difference between Pinot Noir and Merlot (fruit taste spectrum)

Answer 26

Pinot noir is in raspberry spectrum, Merlot is plummy with top note of leafiness

Question 27

Merlot has what fruit in warmer climates?

Answer 27

Black fruits