Merlot

Merlot is the other classic red grape of renown from the Bordeaux region. This varietal ripens early to mid-season. It gives a range of flavors from dense black currant Cabernet Sauvignon-like character, to softer plum and black cherry fruit. Its soft texture and pleasant fruit flavors have made Merlot a very popular choice for peoples first explorations into red table wine. Merlot is widely planted in many regions of the world. Several wineries recently have even begun to process Merlot as a blush wine similar to White Zinfandel.