Vitis vinifera Merlot - Grape vine

The 'Merlot' vine is a variety of medium vigour, fertile and productive. It produces medium-sized, fairly compact clusters. The berries are spherical, with blue-black skin. The pulp is juicy and pleasant-tasting. Harvest takes place in September. The 'Merlot' vine is quite sensitive to frost and drought, and will produce small grapes if subjected to prolonged drought.

The wine grape vine (Vitis vinifera) grew wild over 5000 years ago. Its introduction to France for cultivation was done by the Romans. Many hybrids have been created to vary colours, flavours, and uses. The 'Merlot' vine is a variety born in the Bordeaux region, resulting from a cross-breeding of 'Magdeleine Noire des Charentes' x 'Cabernet Franc'.

A vigorous climbing shrub, the 'Merlot' vine can reach up to 5m (16ft). Its final shape will depend on the pruning practiced. It thrives in deep clay-limestone soils, rich and moist in summer. The vine clings to its support (trellis, espalier) thanks to its tendrils and enjoys sunny situations. Its semi-erect to horizontal habit makes wire training preferable. Short pruning is recommended. Its finely cut foliage is a deep green in summer, with the edges of its leaves turning red in autumn. Its flowering in clusters occurs in May, offering tiny white-pink flowers. Its grapes, in medium-sized clusters, ripen in September, depending on the region. The berries are spherical, with blue-black skin. The pulp is juicy and pleasant-tasting. The 'Merlot' grape, in winemaking, has a strong colouring power. It is ideal when blended with Cabernet Franc.

Grapes are consumed as table fruit, fresh, but also in jams, jellies, fruit juice, pastries, and of course, after vinification, as wine.