Merlot

Question 1

General Characteristics

Answer 1

Color:

Body: Light to full

Tannin: Medium

Sugar:

Acid: Medium

Aromas:

Flavors: Less ripe has flavors of green peppers, and red fruit. More ripe has flavors of black fruits.

Question 2

Environmental Influences

Answer 2

Climate: Moderate to warm

Question 3

Winemaking Options

Answer 3

Vessel types: Oaked or unoaked

Blending: Single varietal or blended. Blended with high-tannin varieties like CS to lower tannin and acidity, make wine ready to drink earlier, add red fruit flavors

Question 4

Bottle Aging

Answer 4

Very good or outstanding wines can develop flavors of dried fruit and tobacco

Question 5

Geographical Indications (EU)

Answer 5

PGI
South of France

PDOs
France: Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion, PomeroI

Question 6

Geographical Indications (Other)

Answer 6

USA: California, Napa Valley, Sonoma

Chile: Central Valley

South Africa: Stellenbosch

Australia: Margaret River

New Zealand: Hawke’s Bay

Question 7

Important Labeling Terms

Answer 7

Bordeaux AOC and Bordeaux Supérieur AOC - grapes grown anywhere in Bordeaux; Superieur stricter rules

Cru Bourgeois

Grand Cru Classé