Moderate climate High level of rainfall as close to the Atlantic ocean

Merlot Flashcards by Paul Slade

Describe Merlot and the climate it likes

Merlot is a black grape
It likes moderate to warm climates

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Merlot is typically?

sweet-acid-tannin-character

Dry wine
Medium Acid
Medium Tannins
Character vary depending on its ripeness

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Just ripe Merlot has what characters
* body
* 3 key flavours

Light to Medium bodied wines
Fresh red fruit flavours
Strawberries
Red Plum
Green Pepper

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Ripe Merlot grapes produce
* Body
* Fruit type
* 2 fruit flavours

Flavours-Body

Medium to Full bodied wine
Cooked black fruits
Blackberry
Black plum
Riper style is easier in warmer climates but can also be achieved in moderate climates by picking the grapes later.

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Why is Merlot blended with Cabernet

It adds red fruit flavours
Can lower tannins making them drinakble at an earlier age

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Merlot made in a single variety has several winemaking options, explain the oak options

Lighter bodied wines wont really benefit from extended time on oak
The more full bodied style can benefit from oak-adds complexity and softness
The best Merlots can age

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What notes do aged Merlots develop

Dried fruit and tobacco

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What countries of note grow Merlot

France
America
Chile
Australia
New Zealand
South Africa

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What area in France is known for Merlot

Bordeaux
(SouthWest of France)

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Bourdeaux climate

Moderate climate
High level of rainfall as close to the Atlantic ocean

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What is the estuary that divides the left and right banks

Gironde Estuary

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What are the areas of the left bank

Haut-Medoc AOC
Margaux AOC
Paulliac AOC
Graves AOC
Pessac-Leognan

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What are the 3 areas of the right bank?

Saint Emillion AOC
Pomeral AOC
Saint Emillion Grand Cru AOC

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What are two higher levels of the pyramid.
Appellation d’Origine Controlee (AOC)

Merlot

Bordeaux AOC
Bordeaux Superieur AOC

Merlot dominated blends

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What are the outstanding qualities of wines from the left and right bank
* Aroma intensity
* Body
* Which fruit cluster
* Oak notes (5)
* Aged wines (2 aromas)

Aroma-Body-Flavour

Pronounced aromas
Full bodied
Black fruits
Oak aromas (Cedar,smoke,cinamon,spice,Vanilla ect)
The age well and develop complex dried fruit and tobacco aromas

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What is the area south of france where merlot is grown a lot and where its blended with other black grape Varieties

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Pays d’Oc IGP

What are the key subregions in California

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Napa
Sonoma

What are the styles of merlot in USA

Body-Fruit-Use of Oak?

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Vary wildley pending where grown
Fruity & Medium bodied labelled California
Full bodied examples come from Napa and Sonoma
Pronounced flavours of Oak (Vanilla,coconut,smoke)

Where is Merlot grown in Chile

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Central valley

Central Valleys (Chile) climate and production

Temp-Yield-Body-Styles

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Warm and dry
Produces high yields if ripe fruit
Soft to medium bodied wine drink now style
Some fresher styles can be made at plots with altitude due to the cooling effect