Encyclopedia · Red grape
Softer tannin, lower acid, and riper plum fruit than Cabernet Sauvignon. Clay soils maximize its velvety texture. Iron mineral in top Pomerol. Often blended but dominant in its best appellations.
Acidity med · Tannin med · Alcohol med–high
Climate Maritime Bordeaux. Right Bank. Clay over iron-rich crasse de fer subsoil.
Style Merlot-dominant, often 100%. Minimal Cab Franc. New French oak. Concentrated and age-worthy.
Tell Plum and truffle, iron-clay mineral, velvety texture, dark chocolate, concentrated and plush
Climate Maritime. Right Bank. Limestone plateau and gravels near Pomerol. More varied than Pomerol.
Style Merlot-dominant with Cab Franc. New French oak. Ranges from approachable to profound.
Tell Ripe plum and dark cherry, limestone clay mineral, velvety texture, chocolate and gentle herb
Climate Cool continental. Basalt soils. Columbia River drainage. Extreme diurnal range moderates heat accumulation. Washington State.
Style French oak standard. MLF. Firmer tannin than French Merlot from slow diurnal ripening. Dark fruit and mocha.
Tell Dark cherry and plum, mocha and vanilla oak, firmer tannin than Pomerol — firm for Merlot but softer than Cabernet Sauvignon, eucalyptus note possible
Climate Warm Mediterranean. Often on cooler hillside sites or Carneros for freshness.
Style Full MLF. New French oak. Richer and riper than French counterparts.
Tell Ripe dark cherry and plum, vanilla and mocha oak, velvety plush texture, warm generous finish
Climate Warmer inland valley. More moderate than Napa. Varied soils.
Style Full MLF. Moderate oak. Softer and more accessible than Napa at same price point.
Tell Dark plum and cherry, gentle mocha oak, soft velvety tannin, accessible and ripe
Pour Taste is our interactive trainer — flashcards, tells, and blind flights for every grape in this encyclopedia. Open the Merlot flashcard →