Merlot

Question 1

Characteristics of Merlot

Answer 1

Medium acidity, medium tannins
young ripe: herbaceous notes
riper merlot: cooked black fruit

often blended with higher tannins wines, ads red fruits flavors

Question 2

Bordeaux France Merlot PDO

Answer 2

Moderate climate + high levels of rain due to Atlantic Ocean
Often blend with Cabernet Sauvignon

West&East of the Garonne (river in Bordeaux) = Médoc, Graves, Sauternes = Left Bank
North&East of the Garonne = Saint-Emillion, Pommerol = Right Bank

Bordeaux AOC
Bordeaux Supérieure AOC
Saint-Emillion AOC
Pommerol AOC

Full body, black fruit, oak matured dried fruit, tobacco

Question 3

South of France Merlot PDO

Answer 3

Used as single Variety or in Blends

Question 4

Merlot GIs

Answer 4

USA California - Napa Valley & Sonoma: Full body, concentrated oak flavors: vanilla, coconut, smoke

Chile - Central Valley: Soft, medium body high volume prodcuct

South-Africa - Stellenbosch: Complex wines, age worthy because of vineyard altitude & sea breeze

Australia - Margaret River: Blend with cab sauvginon

New Zealand - Hawke’s Bay: Northern Island, moderate climate, rainy –> light and fruity