Merlot

this variety is not quite homogeneous; its biotypes differ from one another in fertility and cluster shape. The bud has an expanded downy whitish-green apex. The leaves are medium sized, pentagonal, five lobed, wavy, of a green but not intense color, and fairly tomentose even on the underside. The petiolar sinus is U-shaped. The medium-sized, pyramidal, winged, more-or-less sparse cluster, with a more-or-less pinkish-green peduncle holds medium-sized, round, blue-violet berries. The skin is averagely thick and pruinose. The juicy sweet flesh has a more-or-less intense herbaceous flavour.

fairly vigorous vine, with a semi-upright growth habit, short internal shoots with a generally balanced vegetation. It adapts to different types of soil and climates, except those that are excessively hot and dry, if they are not frequently irrigated.

it adapts to different training systems and pruning. For this reason, it can be easily grown in free fully mechanised systems. It favors a medium pruning with 4-5 buds or long pruning (8-10 buds).

poor, susceptible to downy mildew and to sour rot. Quite susceptible to winter cold.

it gives wines with finesse and personality and a quite intense ruby red color and a typical, slightly herbaceous, alcoholic, fruity, aromatic flavour; the acidity is generally low. In hilly areas well-exposed to the North, an excellent fine wine is produced, though not suited for long aging. If blended with Cabernets, it can complete and enhance their qualities.

Merlot R3, R12, R18, VCR1, VCR13, VCR27, VCR28, VCR36, VCR37, VCR101, VCR103, VCR488, VCR489, VCR490, VCR494, ISVFV2, ISVFV4, ISVFV5, ISVFV6, ERSAFVG350, ERSAFVG351, ERSAFVG352, ERSAFVG353; French clones: Inra-Entav 181, 184, 343, 347, 348, 447, 519.