Merlot Grape

The Merlot grape is larger and thinner skinned than the Cabernet grape. It has an opulent texture that goes admirably with h’ordeuves or as a dinner drink. Similar to the soft Algerian wines of the Pied Noirs, Merlot wines are used to round out and add complexity to Cabernets.

Merlot is fragile grape

It is a fragile grape, sensible to dryness as well as cold. Merlot gives a richly colored wine, with body and softness.

Merlot matures quickly

Merlot matures quickly. This grape has less tannins than Cabernets. It is one of the most productive grapes. Merlot is the perfect variety to accompany Cabernets.

Merlot is very adaptable

Merlot is the most widely planted grape in Bordeaux and a grape that has been on a relentless expansion drive throughout the world in the last decade. Merlot is adaptable to most soils and is relatively simple to cultivate. It is a vigorous naturally high yielding grape that requires savage pruning - over-cropped Merlot-based wines are dilute and bland. It is also vital to pick at optimum ripeness as Merlot can quickly lose its varietal characteristics if harvested overripe.