Merlot is a popular red wine (despite any effect of the film Sideways), due partly to its early ripening and partly to its early maturity in the bottle. Merlot, which ripens at least a week earlier than either Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc, is typically a wine to drink rather than to save. Its flavor is similar to Cabernet Sauvignon, although less distinctive, and it is used extensively throughout Bordeaux as one of the red blending varieties. At the renowned Chateau Petrus, on the Right Bank in Bordeaux, Merlot is turned into one of the world's most gorgeous and expensive wines. Although Merlot's early ripening habit is appreciated by growers, it also blossoms early, which makes it uniquely susceptible to spring frosts.
Clones: FPS 03, 09