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Merlot

Origin

This variety is originally from the Bordeaux vineyards. Based on genetic analyses, Merlot would be the result of crossbreeding Cabernet franc and Magdeleine Noire des Charentes.

Registration Information

In France, Merlot is officially listed in the “Catalogue of vine varieties” on the A list and is classified for wine grapes. This variety is also listed in the catalogues of other Member States of the European Union: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Spain.

Cultivation and Vine Characteristics

Merlot is a moderately to strongly vigorous variety that tends to produce a lot of off shoots and suckers. Its semi-erect to horizontal bearing requires sufficient trellising. Its fertility is good and it is better to prune it short. In certain climatic conditions, there is a risk of Coulure. Merlot is well suited to clay-limestone terroirs. This variety is rather sensitive to winter and spring frosts (because of its early budburst) and not well adapted to intense drought conditions. The bunches are small to medium in size, winged and berries are medium in size.

Wine Characteristics

Merlot produces round, powerful, rich in alcohol and coloured wines with relatively low acidity. These full-bodied and structured wines, with rather supple tannins, can be aged in wood barrels. The aromas are complex and elegant.

Susceptibility to Diseases and Pests

Merlot is particularly sensitive to downy mildew (on flowers and bunches), to vine leafhoppers and burls. It is also rather sensitive to Botrytis. On the other hand, it is not very susceptible to powdery mildew and Flavescence dorée and is not very affected by wood diseases.

Clonal selection in France

The twelve certified Merlot clones carry the numbers 181, 182, 184, 314, 342, 343, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349 and 519. A conservatory collection of more than 300 clones has been planted in the wine-growing region of Bordeaux since 1966.

Available Clones

181

More drooping vegetative habit. Clone appreciated for its growing characteristics and the quality of the wines obtained.

Available in: VineTech Select, VineTech GrowerSelect, VineTech International, VineTech QuickVine

Clone Characteristics

  • Fertility: Medium to high
  • Production Level: Low to medium
  • Cluster Weight: Low
  • Vine Vigor: Low
  • Berry Size: Low to medium

Wine Characteristics

  • Sugar Potential: Medium to high
  • Colour Potential: Medium
  • Acidity: Medium
  • Tannic Structure: Medium to high
  • Oenological Characteristics: Wines appreciated in tasting.
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182

Clone appreciated for its growing characteristics and the quality of wines obtained.

Available in: VineTech Select, VineTech GrowerSelect, VineTech International, VineTech QuickVine

Clone Characteristics

  • Fertility: Medium
  • Production Level: Medium
  • Cluster Weight: Medium
  • Berry Size: Medium

Wine Characteristics

  • Sugar Potential: Medium to high
  • Colour Potential: High
  • Acidity: Medium
  • Tannic Structure: Low to medium
  • Oenological Characteristics: Supple and balanced wines.
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184

Available in: VineTech Select, VineTech GrowerSelect, VineTech International, VineTech QuickVine

Clone Characteristics

  • Fertility: Medium
  • Production Level: Medium to high
  • Cluster Weight: Medium to high

Wine Characteristics

  • Sugar Potential: Low to medium
  • Acidity: Medium
  • Tannic Structure: Medium
  • Oenological Characteristics: Typical wines of the grape variety.
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343

Clone appreciated for its growing characteristics and its suitability for producing wines for ageing.

Available in: VineTech Select, VineTech GrowerSelect, VineTech International, VineTech QuickVine

Clone Characteristics

  • Fertility: Low to medium
  • Production Level: Low to medium
  • Cluster Weight: Medium
  • Berry Size: Medium

Wine Characteristics

  • Sugar Potential: High
  • Colour Potential: Medium to high
  • Acidity: Medium
  • Tannic Structure: Medium
  • Oenological Characteristics: Structured wines.
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346

Clone appreciated for its growing characteristics and the quality of wines obtained.

Available in: VineTech Select, VineTech GrowerSelect, VineTech International, VineTech QuickVine

Clone Characteristics

  • Fertility: Medium
  • Production Level: Medium
  • Cluster Weight: Low to medium
  • Vine Vigor: High
  • Berry Size: Medium

Wine Characteristics

  • Sugar Potential: Medium to high
  • Acidity: Medium
  • Tannic Structure: Medium
  • Oenological Characteristics: Wines appreciated in tasting.
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347

Clone appreciated for its growing characteristics and the quality of wines obtained.

Available in: VineTech Select, VineTech GrowerSelect, VineTech International, VineTech QuickVine

Clone Characteristics

  • Fertility: Medium
  • Production Level: Medium
  • Cluster Weight: Medium
  • Berry Size: Medium

Wine Characteristics

  • Sugar Potential: Medium
  • Colour Potential: Medium
  • Acidity: Medium
  • Tannic Structure: Medium
  • Oenological Characteristics: Wines appreciated in tasting.
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348

Clone appreciated for its growing characteristics and the quality of wines obtained.

Available in: VineTech GrowerSelect, VineTech International, VineTech QuickVine

Clone Characteristics

  • Fertility: Medium
  • Production Level: Medium
  • Cluster Weight: Medium to high

Wine Characteristics

  • Sugar Potential: Medium
  • Colour Potential: Medium
  • Acidity: Medium
  • Tannic Structure: Medium
  • Oenological Characteristics: Wines appreciated in tasting.
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519

Productive clone.

Available in: VineTech GrowerSelect, VineTech International, VineTech QuickVine

Clone Characteristics

  • Fertility: High
  • Production Level: High
  • Cluster Weight: Medium

Wine Characteristics

  • Sugar Potential: Medium
  • Oenological Characteristics: Typical wines of the grape variety.
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More Varieties

All information has been provided by VineTech’s genetics providers.

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