Fun Facts about Merlot

Merlot, which in French means The Little Blackbird, is the second most popular red grape in the world (after Cabernet Sauvignon) and Italy’s 5th most planted, Italian Merlot is an excellent choice for those who want an easy-drinking wine that pairs well with many dishes, it is often recommended as the first red wine someone new to red wine should drink. This Red fruit with an easy tannins and a soft finish is one of the primary grapes used in Bordeaux, and it is the most widely planted grape in the Bordeaux wine regions.

A Bit about Her History

The first traceable mention of Merlot comes from the Bordeaux region of France where, in 1784, a local official wrote of the wine (then called Merlau) and noted it as one of the best in the region. From here the mention of Merlot begins to pick of speed around the globe as sommeliers began to debate about the origins of the variety. While an 1824 publication notes that the wine derives her name from a local Blackbird (The Merlau) who was often spotted eating the grapes directly from the vine, descriptions from the early 1900s indicate that the grape may have originated on one of the islands found along the Garonne River in France.

The vines began to grow widely along the left banks of the Gironde in the early 1900s but were wrought with trouble. A severe frost in 1956, and the loss of entire vintages to rot through the 1960s led the French government to ban any new vines of Merlot from being planted from 1970-1975.

While France was battling the problematic Merlot vine, the Italians were thriving with it. Italian references to the grape are recorded as early as 1855. The Italians would later introduce the Swiss to the grape variety in around 1905 where it would go on to become a local favorite.

As research and DNA testing evolved, researchers in the United States were able to conclude that Merlot grapes are actually a second generation heavy hitter in the wine world; the offspring of Cabernet Franc crossed with an obscure vine found growing in Brittany. Merlot is part of a celebrated family tree with direct sibling relations to Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Regions of Prominence

Unsurprisingly, France leads the world in Merlot planting with more than 2/3rd of the world’s Merlot vines planted here. Other areas that host sizable Merlot vineyards include Italy, Switzerland, Croatia, Hungary, Slovenia, Israel, Turkey, and Mexico. Merlot is grown in the United States in smaller vineyards, most of which are located in Washington State, Virginia, and on Long Island, NY.

Merlot grapes tend to be at their best when planted in areas where the soil stays cool. Due to their early season budding, the vine is highly fragile and often at risk of being lost to heavy frosting or rot due to their thin skin. In addition, the strain is also susceptible to Downey mildew, infection from leaf-hopper insects, and colure. Merlot is most often planted on slopes with excellent water run-off and in areas where it can be easily pruned.

As a result, winemakers need to take great care in where they choose to plant these vines and pay special attention to them through the season.

Fun Facts About Merlot

  • Merlot is often nicknamed the “Easy Red” since its low tannin level makes it more appealing to wine drinkers who primarily prefer whites.
  • Merlot can age! While most wines are best enjoyed within a few years of their vintage, Merlot has shown that it can continue to mature and change inside of the bottle for several decades.
  • Merlot is often the first grape variety to ripen in any given season.
  • One of the most expensive and sought after Bordeaux blends in the world, Château Pétrus, is made almost entirely of Merlot grapes. A bottle of this wine can run up to $2,600.
  • The movie Sideways, released in 2004, may have cost Merlot producers upwards of $400M in revenue. Through the film, one of the main characters speaks in glowing terms about Pinot Noir, while belittling and demeaning Merlot. The result was a 2% slump in Merlot sales and a 16% spike in Pinot Noir.
  • Italian Merlot varieties are often noted for their lighter, fruitier flavors. The sweeter blend is often thought of as a “sweet and sour” Merlot. It is this blend that has given Merlot the common association of being a smooth, laid back red.

Food Pairings

Merlot is an excellent food wine that pairs well with grilled meats, salmon and mushroom dishes. The lighter versions can even pair with rich shellfish like prawns, scallops and lobster. Italian Merlots go best with Italian foods such as tomato-based pasta, risotto, lasagna and chicken braised in red wine.

Credit: One Hope Wine, Guide to Merlot.

Visited 1 times, 1 visit(s) today

4 Comments

  1. Pingback: Exploring Popular Wine Choices in Nigeria - The Finest Italian Wine

  2. Pingback: Savoring the Season: Best Wines to Drink in August - The Finest Italian Wine

  3. Pingback: Fun Facts About Cabernet Sauvignon - The Finest Italian Wine Red Wine Knowledge

  4. Pingback: Merlot vs. Cabernet Sauvignon - The Finest Italian Wine

Kindly Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.