Merlot is a red grape variety originally from Bordeaux but now one of the most popular choices internationally thanks to a plush style that appeals both at entry level and in the very finest wines.
Merlot is known for its voluptuous, plummy fruit, which has long made it an ideal blending partner for the more herbaceous, austere Cabernet Sauvignon – as seen most famously in Bordeaux, France.
Merlot is a natural genetic offspring of fellow Bordeaux grape variety Cabernet Franc. Merlot was first documented in 18th century records that show it was already a prized grape of Bordeaux’s Right Bank.
Merlot is the most widely planted red wine grape in France and the second most widely planted worldwide after its common blending partner Cabernet Sauvignon. The variety is most famously associated with Bordeaux but is found across south-west France. Merlot also plays a particularly important role in the wines of north-east Italy, Switzerland, eastern Europe, Israel, California and Chile.
Merlot takes its name from “merle”, meaning blackbird. Not only do the two share similarly dark colouring, but blackbirds are notoriously fond of eating Merlot’s particularly juicy berries.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Bigney Rouge, Bigney, Alicante noir, Bioney, Bégney, Black Alicante, Crabutet, Crabutet noir, Crabutet noir merlau, Bidalhe, Bordeleza belcha, Langon, Odzalesi, Merlau, Merlaut, Merle Petite, Merlaut noir, Merlô, Merlot black, Merlot blauer, Merlot Noir, Merlot nero, Merlot rouge, Merlott, Merlou, Plan medre, Picard, Médoc Noir, Lecchumskij, Higney, Higney rouge, Petit Merle, Sème Dou Flube, Plant du Médoc, Plant Médoc, Sème de la Canau, Saint-Macaire, Vini ticinesi, Semilhoum rouge, Semilhoun rouge, Sémillon rouge, Vitraille
