Merlot

Question 1

What are the reasons for blending Merlot with Cab Sav?

Answer 1

Merlot brings softness to higher-tannin Cab Sav

Question 2

Primary characters of Merlot vary with…?

Answer 2

Ripeness

Question 3

A single-varietal Merlot is typically…

Answer 3

Dry with medium acidity and medium tannins

Question 4

How can the riper style of Merlot be achieved in a moderate climate?

Answer 4

Harvesting later

Question 5

What herbaceous notes does just-ripe Merlot give?

Answer 5

Green capsicum

Question 6

What effect does Merlot have on Cab Sav’s drinking age?

Answer 6

Merlot can lower the tannin levels and make a wine ready to drink earlier

Question 7

Merlot-dominated wines gain what notes from age?

Answer 7

Dried fruit and tobacco

Question 8

The lighter the style of Merlot, the less the need for the wine to..?

Answer 8

Age in the barrel

Question 9

What is the most widely planted variety in Bordeaux?

Answer 9

Merlot

Question 10

What Right-Banks are Merlot-dominated?

Answer 10

Saint-Emilion and Pomerol

Question 11

Bordeaux AOC and Bordeaux Superieur AOC are typically what kinds of blends?

Answer 11

Merlot-dominated

Question 12

Left Bank AOCs typically exhibit what kinds of blends?

Answer 12

Cab Sav-dominated

Question 13

What secondary flavours are common in American Merlots?

Answer 13

Vanilla, coconut and smoke

Question 14

What Chilean region is associated with Merlot?

Answer 14

Central Valley

Question 15

What South African region is associated with Merlot?

Answer 15

Stellenbosch

Question 16

Most of NZ’s Merlot comes from where?

Answer 16

Hawkes Bay