7 Fun Facts about Merlot Wine

The Most Planted Variety in France

Forget acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon grapes of Bordeaux and high-priced Pinot Noir of Burgundy, Merlot wine is currently the most planted grape variety in France.

Who’s Your Daddy?

Merlot is the offspring of Cabernet Franc (the father) and Magdeleine Noire des Charentes (the mother).

Harder to Grow Than Cabernet!

Merlot is a thin-skinned grape that is very sensitive to its environment. Merlot grapes do have one benefit over Cabernet: they ripen up to 2 weeks earlier. On a rainy harvest, one week can make a big difference!

Major Player in Italy

Merlot is Italy’s 5th most planted grape. Merlot is popular in the IGT wines of Toscana commonly referred to as “Super Tuscans”

The Blind Tasting Tell on Merlot

Because Merlot wine is so sensitive to light, Merlot based wines tinge orange on the rim. The orange rim is the tell-tale sign of Merlot vs. Cabernet Sauvignon.

$1,870 for a Bottle of Merlot?!

Yep. Believe it or not, the most famous Right-Bank Bordeaux called Chateau Petrus is mostly Merlot.

American Oak Does Wonders

A few producers are using American Oak to make their Merlot wines rustic and rich like a Cabernet Sauvignon. Find out more about the different types of oak-aging if you’re curious.