vinification

Merlot is often seen as the perfect blending partner with and to ensure a velvety soft, early maturing Cabernet Sauvignon only. More than often, especially in South Africa, it is therefore rated second to that of Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is a cultivar that lends itself to producing soft, full-bodied wines with good color and the ability to mature well of which numerous examples exist world wide. Chateau Petrus in Pomerol with a Merlot based wine, produces some of the highest priced wines in the world with good vintages having a maturation potential of 40 years (Larousse Encyclopedia of Wine). With careful grape and wine production techniques it is proven that Merlot can stand its ground.

The best Merlot on the bouquet shows wonderful blackcurrant, violets, choc and cassis aromas. Key to great Merlot on the palate should be a " fatness", juicy black berry fruit, soft melded, ripe tannins and a silky finish.

How to produce such a Merlot is now the big issue of this page.

Give us your input and send your comments, articles, pictures, reviews and news to admin@merlotforum.co.za , and we will publish it on this site. We are looking forward to your contribution!