Merlot is one of the world’ classic red wine grapes, associated with the Bordeaux region, especially on the right bank in Pomerol. Merlot may take its name from the blackbird (‘la merle’ in French) which would eat the grapes because of their early ripening there.

Key regions: Pomerol AOC.

Wineries

No certification: Castello di Ama’s L’Apparita (Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany). | Château Pétrus (Pomerol AOC, Bordeaux). | Masseto (IGT Toscana Rosso, Tuscany).