Merlot

Merlot – black grape variety
Merlot is the base of all the red Bordeaux wines.
This grape is very popular and coming up strong internationally because of its soft taste.
Is grown a lot in California.

Soft, round, full-bodied, high alcohol percentage with flavours of prunes, cherries and figs.
Ripens well on wood, it will obtain aromas of cedar and tobacco.
Softens the Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux wine.

Because of the fact that Merlot ripens twee weeks earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon this is a safer grape for wine growers in Bordeaux.
During the time of harvest (French: Vendange) in the Fall, in September and October, heavy lightening storm and hail can occur in the Bordeaux region.
A whole year of work can be destroyed in ten minutes.
The earlier the grape can be harvested, the safer.