Merlot is a grape variety used as both a blending grape and for varietal wines. The name Merlot is thought to be a diminutive of merle, the French word for Blackbird, probably a reference to the colour of the grape. Its softness and fleshiness, combined with its earlier ripening, makes Merlot a popular grape for blending with the sterner, later-ripening Cabernet-Sauvignon, which tends to be higher in tannin.
Presenter: Vivienne Franks with Malcolm Franks.
Availability: Good.
Wine Suggestions:
From Waitrose Cellar (www.waitrosecellar.com) – Bordeaux, Montagne St. Emillion, Dourthe Réserve, 2019 (£12.99) and New Zealand (Hawkes Bay) ‘Private Bin’ Merlot, Villa Maria, 2000 (£12.49).
From The Wine Society – Bordeaux Côtes de Francs, Château Puygueraud, 2016 (£16.00) and South Africa (Constantia), Eagles Nest Merlot, 2016 (£16.50).
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