Merlot

Styles

Cool climate:

Moderate climate:

Warm climate:

Secondary flavors:

Tertiary flavors:

Difficult to ripen in cool climates

Raspberry, cherry with medium acidity and medium tannins

Plum, fruit cake with low acidity and low tannins

Coffee, vanilla, toast from oak ageing

Tobacco, cedar and earthy notes from bottle ageing

Features

Still popular but declining as a single variety wine

Blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc for Bordeaux style blends

Easy to grow and ripen with high yields (Main reason for blending)

Can be affected by late frost due to early bud break

Lacks some complexity and structure