Merlot is a black grape variety native to Bordeaux in France. This grape variety has been fundamental in the production of wines of great global prestige, also thanks to its combination with Cabernet. This assembly, known as the “Bordeaux Cut”, is born from the harmony between the ripeness of the Merlot fruit and the classicism of Cabernet Sauvignon, more tannic and acidic.
Origin and characteristics of Merlot
The intriguing name of this grape variety is surrounded by a legend, according to which Merlot derives from the French dialect “merlo”, thanks to the appearance of the fruit of a bright blue-black and the attractiveness of the grapes for the small bird. Today, the popularity of Merlot has reached such proportions that it has become the most cultivated grape in Bordeaux and is found in numerous wine-growing regions of the world thanks to its adaptability and ease of cultivation.
The end of the 19th century saw the arrival of Merlot in Italy, initially in Friuli Venezia Giulia, then in Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige. These regions offered the ideal habitat for the growth of this vine, but it soon spread throughout the country, giving rise to important results. The presence of Merlot in Tuscany is emblematic, where it dominates the Tyrrhenian area, in particular in the clay soils of Val di Cornia and Bolgheri. Here it contributes to the production of the famous Supertuscan wines, which also exploit the Bordolese Cut.
Merlot is distinguished by its early ripening and needs rich and fertile soils. To avoid too rapid ripening and an excessive accumulation of sugars, a soil capable of retaining water is essential. The clay, particularly present in these soils, has the ability to compact in hot periods, limiting the excessive feeding of the plant.
Merlot wine ferments mainly in steel or in inert concrete containers dedicated to the refinement of wines, while maturation takes place in barriques.
THE WINE
To the eye:
When vinified purely, Merlot produces a wine with an intense ruby red color, which tends to evolve towards garnet tones with aging.
To the nose:
Merlot is rich in hints of berries, including currants, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. These blend harmoniously with herbaceous, earthy and humus notes, which evolve over time into hints of roasting, cocoa, pepper and leather.
To the taste:
On the palate, Merlot offers a soft, juicy and enveloping experience. It has good structure, balanced acidity and tannins that are defined but velvety, often softened further with aging.