Merlot, which means "black bird" in French, is closely related to Cabernet Sauvignon. It has been grown for hundreds of years in the Bordeaux region of France where it is an essential component of the famous Bordeaux wines. Often used as a blending wine to soften the astringent tannins of Cabernets, Merlot is an excellent wine on its own. Grown in the right location with well-drained soil and plenty of heat, the grape produces a wine with rich Cabernet-like fruit flavors, fine aromas, and a balanced acidity. One of the most famous and rare wines in the world, Château Pétrus, is almost all Merlot.
Merlot is the most widely planted grape in the entire Bordeaux region of France. It is also grown in suitable regions in many other countries. Italy, Romania and California have extensive plantings. It is grown in Argentina, Canada, Chile, South Africa, and New Zealnd, as well as other areas of the United States and Europe.
