Merlot facts for kids
Merlot is a popular type of red wine. It's made from dark blue grapes. In the Swiss region of Ticino, growing Merlot grapes is a very important part of farming.
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Growing Merlot Grapes
Merlot grapes grow in loose bunches with large berries. Their color is less dark blue or black than Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Merlot grapes also have thinner skins and fewer tannins. Tannins are natural compounds that can make wine taste a bit dry.
These grapes usually ripen about two weeks earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot grapes also have more sugar and less malic acid. Malic acid is a natural acid found in grapes.
A grape expert named J.M. Boursiquot noticed that Merlot grapes got good traits from their "parent" grapes. They got their ability to grow easily from Magdeleine Noire des Charentes. From Cabernet Franc, they got their nice color, tannins, and flavor.
Where Merlot Grapes Grow Best
Merlot grapes grow well in cold soil, especially iron-rich clay. The vines start to grow new shoots early in the season. This means they can be harmed by cold frost. Their thin skin also makes them more likely to get a disease called Botrytis bunch rot.
If the weather is bad during flowering, Merlot vines can develop coulure. This is when the flowers don't turn into grapes. The vines can also get downy mildew, a type of fungus. However, they are better at fighting powdery mildew than some other grapes. Leafhopper insects can also cause problems for the vines.
Merlot vines need the right amount of water. They grow best in soil that drains water well, rather than at the bottom of a wet slope. Cutting back the vines, called pruning, is very important for good wine quality. Some growers believe it's best to prune the vine "short," leaving only a few buds.
Wine expert Michel Rolland thinks that growing fewer grapes per vine makes the wine better. The age of the vine also matters. Older vines can add special character to the wine.
When to Harvest Merlot Grapes
One interesting thing about Merlot grapes is how quickly they can become overripe. This can happen in just a few days once they reach their first ripeness level.
There are two main ideas about the best time to harvest Merlot. Winemakers at Château Pétrus prefer to pick the grapes early. This helps keep the wine's acidity and delicate taste. It also helps the wine age well.
Other experts, like Michel Rolland, prefer to pick the grapes later. This allows the grapes to become a little overripe, which gives the wine a fuller, richer taste.
Merlot Wine Regions Around the World
Merlot is one of the most widely planted grape types in the world. In many places, more Merlot vines are grown than even the famous Cabernet Sauvignon. This includes France, where Merlot grapes first came from. France grows almost two-thirds of all the Merlot in the world.
Besides France, Merlot is also grown in many other countries:
- Italy (it's the 5th most planted grape there)
- Algeria
- California
- Romania
- Australia
- Argentina
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Greece
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- Switzerland
- Croatia
- Hungary
- Montenegro
- Slovenia
- Mexico
It's also grown in other parts of the United States, like Washington, Virginia, and Long Island. Merlot often grows in the same areas as Cabernet Sauvignon. However, it tends to be planted in the cooler parts of those regions. If it's too warm, Merlot grapes ripen too early.
In places like Israel, Merlot is the second most planted grape after Cabernet Sauvignon. About 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres) are grown there, making wines often called "New World-style." These wines are usually fruitier and bolder. Merlot can also be found in Turkey, with 429 hectares (1,060 acres) in 2010. It's also grown in Malta and Cyprus.
Images for kids
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A main cluster and an attached "wing cluster" of Merlot grapes with its characteristic dark-blue color.
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Vineyards and winery exterior of Château Pétrus
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The style of Merlot in California can vary with the grape being found all across the state in both warmer and cooler climate regions. While regional examples of California Merlot exist from places like Napa Valley and Sonoma, many bottles are labeled simply as California Merlot.
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Washington Merlots from the Columbia Valley are often noted for their deep color.
See also
In Spanish: Merlot (uva) para niños
