Merlot

Question 1

Outside of France, which regions are known for producing concentrated, full-bodied examples of Merlot-based wines?

Answer 1

California: Napa Valley and Sonoma

New Zealand: Hawke’s Bay

Question 2

Which region is an important producer of high-volume, early-drinking Merlot wines? Why?

Answer 2

Chile: Central Valley

1. Merlot ripens well in the warm and dry climate
2. High yields of fully ripe fruit each year
3. Particularly important source of soft, medium-bodied Merlot for high-volume and immediate consumption
4. Moderating effects of altitude allow for fresher styles of Merlot to be made as well.

Question 3

In a moderate climate, how can a riper style of Merlot be achieved?

Answer 3

Harvesting later

Question 4

Merlot-dominated blends in Bordeaux

Answer 4

Bordeaux AOC or Bordeaux Supérieur AOC

Saint-Emillion AOC and Pomerol AOC on the Right Bank.

Question 5

The Basics: 
Descriptors
Climate
Winemaking Options 
Very Good or Outstanding Examples

Answer 5

Descriptors: Medium acidity, medium tannin, Fruit characteristics vary according to ripeness
Climate: Moderate to Warm
Options: Single varietal or blended; simple or complex; light- to full bodied; oaked or unoaked
VG/Outstanding: can age to dried fruit, tobacco

Question 6

How are Bordeaux Supérieur AOC wines subject to slightly stricter regulation than Bordeaux AOC?

Answer 6

1. Yields
2. Ageing
3. Minimum alcohol levels

Question 7

What is the climate of Hawke’s Bay?

Answer 7

Moderate climate with plentiful rainfall

Question 8

What can Merlot bring to a Cabernet Sauvignon dominated blend?

Answer 8

1. Lowers tannin & acidity levels
2. makes wines ready to drink at an earlier age
3. adds red fruit flavors to blends

Question 9

Typical blending partners for Merlot in the South of France

Answer 9

1. Cabernet Sauvignon
2. Grenache
3. Syrah

Question 10

What is the classic home and climate of Merlot?

Answer 10

The Bordeaux region in south-west France.

Moderate climate with high levels of rainfall due to proximity to Atlantic Ocean.

Question 11

What is the most important in the wines on the Right Bank?

Answer 11

Merlot

Question 12

Left Bank Appellations

Answer 12

Medoc AOC
Haut-Medoc AOC
Margaux AOC
Pauillac AOC
Graves AOC
included high quality Pessac-Leognan AOC
Merlot is usually part of the blends on the Left Bank, Cabernet Sauvignon is typically the dominant variety.

Question 13

Important Regions

Answer 13

1. France - Bordeaux - Right Bank - Saint Emillion and Pomerol (AOC); South of France
2. USA - Napa Valley, Sonoma
3. Chile - Central Valley
4. South Africa - Stellenbosch
5. Australia - Margaret River
6. New Zealand - Hawke’s Bay