Merlot is an emblematic grape variety of the Bordeaux vineyards, particularly renowned for its generosity and roundness. It dominates the plantings of the Rive Droite, where it finds the ideal conditions to flourish in the clay terroirs of the Libournais. It stands out for its ability to thrive in sometimes damp and cool conditions, as highlighted in the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages".

This grape variety, while rewarding, is nonetheless demanding. Although it favours clay-limestone or clay soils for optimal water retention, it is less comfortable on arid soils or during droughts. Its early bud break makes it susceptible to spring frosts, and it is vulnerable to coulure and diseases such as mildew.

Ampelographic profile

Characteristic	Description
Bud break	Early (2 days after Chasselas)
Ripening	Late (2nd period, 2 and a half weeks after Chasselas)
Vigour	High
Growth habit	Semi-erect
Mildew susceptibility	Susceptible, particularly on inflorescences and bunches
Powdery mildew susceptibility	Moderately susceptible
Botrytis susceptibility	Moderately susceptible
Black rot susceptibility	Moderately susceptible
Leafhopper susceptibility	Susceptible
Aromatic profile	Ripe red fruits (cherry, plum), notes of undergrowth, vanilla, cocoa (after ageing)
Winemaking potential	Round, structured wines, supple tannins, good colour, suited to oak ageing. Good ageing potential.

A little history

Contrary to what one might think, Merlot has not always been the dominant grape variety in Bordeaux. Before the phylloxera crisis, it was considered a secondary grape variety, like many others. However, the appearance of phylloxera and the widespread use of grafting profoundly changed the plantings, allowing Merlot to gain in importance. It was officially selected as one of the principal grape varieties when the AOCs were created in 1935, while other interesting grape varieties, such as Mérille, were relegated to the rank of secondary varieties (source 2). Merlot is known to form an excellent blend with Malbec, Cabernet-Sauvignon and Cabernet franc. To find out more about the different expressions of this grape variety, notably the Merlot blanc grape, you can read our article on Magdeleine noire des Charentes: the forgotten mother of Merlot and Malbec.

Wines made from Merlot are distinguished by their enveloping roundness, their aromatic richness and their intense colour. They offer supple tannins and a beautiful structure, making them well-suited to oak ageing, which gives them additional complexity. This fleshy and silky texture, combined with its versatility in blends or as a single varietal, explains its international success. Its suppleness makes it an enjoyable wine from its youth, but it also possesses good ageing potential.

At Château Cazebonne, our commitment to the richness and diversity of Bordeaux grape varieties drives us to go beyond traditions. In addition to showcasing emblematic grape varieties such as Merlot, we are dedicated to the revival of almost-forgotten Bordeaux varieties that once made our terroirs famous. This pioneering work of replanting, researching and vinifying these lost grape varieties is made possible by the invaluable support of wine lovers who share our vision of a viticulture that respects its history, is rooted in tradition, and is resolutely looking towards the future. To explore these aspects further, you can receive the digital version of the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" or test your knowledge with our oenological quizzes. You can also discover the unique expression of our terroirs and our grape varieties, whether traditional or rediscovered, through our cuvées in the Cazebonne shop.