Merlot Flashcards
Describe Merlot and the climate it likes
- Merlot is a black grape
- It likes moderate to warm climates
Merlot is typically?
sweet-acid-tannin-character
- Dry wine
- Medium Acid
- Medium Tannins
- Character vary depending on its ripeness
Just ripe Merlot has what characters
* body
* 3 key flavours
- Light to Medium bodied wines
- Fresh red fruit flavours
- Strawberries
- Red Plum
- Green Pepper
Ripe Merlot grapes produce
* Body
* Fruit type
* 2 fruit flavours
Flavours-Body
- Medium to Full bodied wine
- Cooked black fruits
- Blackberry
- Black plum
- Riper style is easier in warmer climates but can also be achieved in moderate climates by picking the grapes later.
Why is Merlot blended with Cabernet
- It adds red fruit flavours
- Can lower tannins making them drinakble at an earlier age
Merlot made in a single variety has several winemaking options, explain the oak options
- Lighter bodied wines wont really benefit from extended time on oak
- The more full bodied style can benefit from oak-adds complexity and softness
- The best Merlots can age
What notes do aged Merlots develop
- Dried fruit and tobacco
What countries of note grow Merlot
- France
- America
- Chile
- Australia
- New Zealand
- South Africa
What area in France is known for Merlot
Bordeaux
(SouthWest of France)
Bourdeaux climate
- Moderate climate
- High level of rainfall as close to the Atlantic ocean
What is the estuary that divides the left and right banks
- Gironde Estuary
What are the areas of the left bank
- Haut-Medoc AOC
- Margaux AOC
- Paulliac AOC
- Graves AOC
- Pessac-Leognan
What are the 3 areas of the right bank?
- Saint Emillion AOC
- Pomeral AOC
- Saint Emillion Grand Cru AOC
What are two higher levels of the pyramid.
Appellation d’Origine Controlee (AOC)
Merlot
- Bordeaux AOC
- Bordeaux Superieur AOC
Merlot dominated blends
What are the outstanding qualities of wines from the left and right bank
* Aroma intensity
* Body
* Which fruit cluster
* Oak notes (5)
* Aged wines (2 aromas)
Aroma-Body-Flavour
- Pronounced aromas
- Full bodied
- Black fruits
- Oak aromas (Cedar,smoke,cinamon,spice,Vanilla ect)
- The age well and develop complex dried fruit and tobacco aromas