Merlot

Question 1

Merlot is the other of the two great grapes of Bordeaux what is it frequently blended with ?

Answer 1

Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 2

What two places in Bordeaux is it most recognizably dominant in ?

Answer 2

Saint-Emillion and Pomerol.

Question 3

What does Merlot give besides happy old people ?

Answer 3

It can give soft, undemanding, easy to drink wines with soft tannins.

Question 4

Best quality Merlot comes in two styles. Which are?

Answer 4

Grapes that are harvested as late as possible and grapes that are harvested earlier.

Question 5

What does Grapes that are harvested as late as possible generate ?

Answer 5

The maximum possible degree of intense purple colour, blackberry and plum fruit and soft velvet textured tannins, combined with a rich, full body due to high alcohol and concentrated fruit. All this may be supported by toasty flavours of new oak.

Question 6

What does Grapes that are harvested earlier generate ?

Answer 6

A medium body and alcohol but with higher acidity.
More of a fresh red fruit character (raspberries, ripe strawberries) , and maybe even some vegetal, leafy aromas. This approach is rarely found outside Bordeaux.