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Wine Details
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Description:
Merlot is the most widely planted variety in Colorado and accounts for 32% of the total production of wine grapes in the state (2000 Grower Survey). The Colorado State University Cooperative Extension has evaluated Merlot at its Orchard Mesa Research Center in Mesa County and states: The Merlot grape produces one of the best wines from Colorado. [...] In most years, Colorado Merlots are deep colored, very fruity and full bodied. (Richard A. Hamman Jr, et al, Colorado Grape Growers' Guide, 1996). Our experience with the variety indicates that the variety does well in heavy clay and stoney soils and forms winter hardy fruiting wood for the next year easily even with heavy irrigation. When spur-pruned, it less fruitful in its basal buds. It is also susceptible to alkali and salt leading to poor yields or vine death. Because of its floppy growth habit, it is difficult to shoot position upwards and catch wire clips aid in maintenance of a vertical shoot positioned canopy. The variety is very fruitful and cluster thinning may be necessary to keep the clusters open to sunlight and air.
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Varietal Definition
Merlot:
Merlot is known as a Noble Bordeaux varietal. Although it came to France in the first century, it was not named until the 1880s. Merlot was originally used only for blending, as it is soft and compliant, very useful in softening other Bordeaux wines like Cabernets. Recently in California and Chile it became popular as a 100% varietal wine. Merlot tends to be easier to grow in a variety of soil conditions and is harvested earlier in the year than Cabernet. Although most Merlots are made to be drunk earlier, there are many with complexities of a Cabernet. Flavors of plum, black cherry, violet, chocolate and orange pair well with rich, red pasta dishes, hearty chicken dishes, and any beef combination that you fancy. The perfect match of course is chocolate. Not only does the chocolate compliment the wine and vice-versa, but the essence of both flavors linger eternally.
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