International Merlot Day is celebrated annually on November 7 by wine enthusiasts worldwide. Merlot, a noble and widely cultivated grape variety, offers a variety of flavours like black cherry and vanilla, and its versatility and smooth characteristics have earned it a loyal following in global vineyards and wine cellars. Read on to learn about its origin, history, and more.
International Merlot Day: History, Taste & More
The words “merle” or “merlau,” which translate to “black bird” in the local dialect, are the origins of the name Merlot. It’s unknown how the wine’s name relates to the blackbird word, but it probably has to do with the Merlot grape’s dark skin. Blended and varietal wines use Merlot, a prominent grape in the Bordeaux region, because of its dark-blue colour and ability to adapt to many terroirs and climates.
Documents discovered in the Bordeaux wine area from the 18th century made reference to the usage of Merlot as a grape for wine production. Since Merlot first emerged in the viticultural world, it has been thought to be ideal for creating exquisite and sophisticated red wines.
Despite being planted widely on the Left Bank of the Gironde, especially in Médoc, a 1956 frost destroyed Merlot grapes in France. After the loss of several vintage Merlots in the 1960s, French winemakers continued to plant vines until the 1970s, when the French government forbade new plantings since Merlot was so popular throughout the world.
Merlot has a high alcohol percentage, medium acidity, medium-high tannins, and a medium-to-full body. It usually has a bright Bordeaux colour and is dry. The structure and colour of Merlot wines are a combination of Syrah and Pinot Noir. Plums, black cherries, blackberries, blackcurrants, vanilla, and chocolate are typical flavours. One important feature of Merlot is its velvety or smooth palate finish.
Merlot wine may be called by a variety of names depending on the country or location; thus, it’s not necessarily called Merlot.
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Countries Where You Can Taste The Best Merlot
Merlot is a popular wine, but depending on the area where it is vinified, it can have unique aromas and levels of dryness. Chilly climate Merlots from Chile, France, or Italy are earthier, more structured, and resemble Cabernet Sauvignon. Warmer weather merlots like those from California are fruitier and need to be aged in oak barrels to develop their structure. All things considered, the qualities of the wine differ by place.
The most popular destination for Merlot, which comes from Bordeaux and Languedoc, is France. Italy produces excellent Merlot on 38,000 hectares of planted land, mostly in Tuscany and Campania. As evidence of the grape’s resilience to several climates, it is also frequently cultivated in the United States, Chile, Australia, and Argentina.
The wineries where you can taste the best Merlot are Château La Croizille in France’s Bordeaux, Château Vieuc Mougnac in Bordeaux, Château Perron in France’s Lalande-de-Pomerol, Azienda Agricola Innocenti in Tuscany, MontGras Winery in Chile, and more.
Merlot is an adaptable wine that goes well with a variety of dishes. You can have Italian pasta alongside international Merlot for a casual evening or roast turkey with a classic Bordeaux Merlot. White meat, such as chicken, spicy foods, and salads, make excellent combinations with classic Bordeaux Merlot.
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