MERLOT is most famous in its homeland of Bordeaux in France, where it is used to make some of the world's greatest and most expensive wines. It is most suited to appellations of Pomerol and St Emilion, and with its characteristic fleshy, supple mid-palate its inclusion improves the balance and structure of a wine Cabernet dominant wines in the appellations of the Medoc.
It is a versatile variety, playing an important role in blends as well as being successful as a straight varietal. When seen on its own, it will be full of attractive primary fruit flavours of plums, red currant, mint, pimento, game, earth and leather. Its tannins are invariably soft and velvety making Merlot a good early drinking style
Merlot makes a perfect partner for Cabernet Sauvignon.
