Today’s Spotlight is on Merlot.

Merlot is a dark blue–colored wine grape variety, that is used as both a blending grape and for varietal wines. The name Merlot is thought to be a diminutive of merle, the French name for the blackbird, probably a reference to the color of the grape.

Merlot is a red wine made from the Merlot grape variety. It’s one of the world’s most popular red wines, and America’s second favorite after Cabernet Sauvignon.

Merlot is known for its:

• Soft, sensual texture
• Approachable style
• Dry taste
• Medium-to-full body
• Medium acidity
• Pronounced tannins.

Merlot can range in style from:

• Fruit-forward and sweet with oak
• More structured and nuanced, capable of aging for decades

The flavor of Merlot can vary depending on the wine regions it’s grown in and the specific winemaking process. Some say it has flavors of:

• Cherry, Plum, Strawberry, Black olive, Cedar, Spice.

Merlot originated in Bordeaux but is now grown all over the southern part of France. It’s also grown in many other countries, including:

• California, South Africa, Chile, Australia, Argentina, Tuscany.

The name Merlot is thought to be a diminutive of merle, the French name for the blackbird, probably a reference to the color of the grape.

 

History

Merlot’s origins date back to the 14th century, when it was known as “Crabatut Noir”. The name “Merlot” first appeared in the 18th century in the French Libournais. It was already considered one of the most important varieties of the Bordeaux region.

Merlot is a cross-pollination between Cabernet Franc and an obscure grape known as Madeleine Noire des Charentes. This makes Merlot a half sibling of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Merlot’s recorded history can be traced back to Bordeaux in the late 1700s, when a French winemaker mixed Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon with satisfying results.

Merlot was first discovered in France around 1784. It didn’t emerge in California until the mid-19th century. During the 1970s, Merlot saw a tremendous boom in popularity and was the most planted grape in all of California.

In the 1990s, Merlot saw an upswing of popularity in the United States.

 

Here are some more fun facts about Merlot:

• Merlot is the second most planted grape in the world.
• Merlot is less expensive than other red wines.
• Merlot is one of the main ingredients in Bordeaux wines.
• Single varietal Merlot wines or ones made mainly of Merlot tend to be made to be drunk young.
• Merlot is at high risk to drought and winter and spring frosts.
• Merlot is very sensitive to mildew, botrytis and cicadellid insects.
• Merlot contains high levels of resveratrol and procyanidin. It promotes cardiovascular health as well as lowering blood pressure.
• Merlot is the most widely planted grape in France, with the Bordeaux region having more Merlot acreage than any other country in the world.

 

Merlot has several health benefits, including:

• Cardiovascular health – Merlot contains resveratrol and procyanidin, which promote cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure.
• Gut health – Drinking Merlot in moderation can improve gut health.
• Blood clotting – Merlot can reduce the risk of blood clotting by increasing good HDL cholesterol levels.
• Heart attacks and strokes – Research suggests that the resveratrol antioxidant can also prevent heart attacks or strokes.
• Obesity and diabetes – Research suggests resveratrol may also protect against obesity and diabetes, risk factors for heart disease.

Other health benefits of red wine include:

• Lowering bad cholesterol
• Regulating blood sugar
• Reducing the risk of cancer
• Helping treat common cold
• Keeping memory sharp
• Keeping you slim

 

Consumption

According to Tastewise, Merlot is consumed 2.07 times every year on average.  Merlot is the most consumed type of wine, with 23% of all wine consumed being Merlot.  The United States is the world’s largest consumer of wine, with 4.3 billion bottles consumed annually.  California is the state that consumes the most wine by volume, with 156 million gallons consumed in 2020.

 

Celebrating Merlot

International Merlot Day is celebrated on November 7th. The origins of this holiday are unclear, but it’s celebrated by thousands of wine lovers around the world. The day is meant to encourage people who have never tried Merlot to give it a try.

Merlot is one of the world’s most popular red wines. It’s known for its smooth, fruity flavor and is perfect for sipping on a warm day or paired with a savory dish.

Let us know in the comments who makes your favorite Merlot. Mine is made by Barlow Vineyards in Napa Valley.