Magazine of wine 

International Merlot Day is in November and it seems inevitable that we will be exalting this grape once again and revisiting its evolution. While many associate Merlot with our own personal experiences with this grape from California, there are many distinct personalities of this varietal from around the globe. Included in this long list is Merlot from California, Washington, France, Italy, Australia, Chile, Spain and other countries. Originating from the word “Merle,” Merlot means little blackbird in French. With its bluish-black color, Merlot can be a temperamental grape due to its early ripening ability coupled with its thin skins. This makes it more susceptible to spring frosts, disease and rot. Merlot can thrive in warmer climates but can also develop deep complexities in cooler growing regions. Given the right growing conditions and ideal soils, it can achieve its pinnacle in many wine-growing regions.