Merlot

Merlot is a type of red wine, and can also refer to the grape that the wine is made from.http://wineintro.com/types/merlot.htmlMerlot is a medium body wine, but is popular because of its fruitiness. However, it is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to add substantial flavor.http://www.drinkwine.com/wine_guide/varietals/merlot.html

Although the Merlot grape emerged in the first century, the earliest mentions of the wine date back to around 1784 in Libourne, France. The wine traveled to Italy by the mid-19th century, and started gaining popularity in the United States in the late 20th century.http://www.fitzpatrickwinery.com/merlot.html

After the release of a movie entitled Sideways, in 2004, Merlot sales dropped. A character in the movie was portrayed as in violent loathing of Merlot, and after the movie came out, people stopped buying the wine.http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,149122,00.html After Sideways, things settled down and sales came back up.http://wineintro.com/types/merlot.html

France, Italy and California are the top three producers of Merlot wines and grapes.http://www.longislandmerlot.com/merlot-history Merlot production is also big in Australia. Though often thought of as a lesser red wine, several rare and prized red wines are distilled primarily from the Merlot grape, including Chateau Petrus, a French Bordeaux wine.http://www.exploringwine.co.uk/Merlot.html

The grape vines grow best in cold soil. Merlot ripens earlier than other red grapes, which is part of its appeal. This factor, however, puts Merlot in danger of being damaged by bad weather. If left to age, the wine will have a stronger body and more of a fruity taste. If picked early, the wine will maintain its natural acidity.http://www.alcoholwine.com/red-wine/merlot