Content
Merlot grapes are one of the most popular wine (technical) varieties originally from France. In terms of distribution in the world, only Cabernet Sauvignon is ahead of it. Merlot grapes and wine made from them are attractive due to their complex taste, which changes over time and depends on the timing of the harvest.
History of selection
There is no exact information about the origin of the variety. Bordeaux is considered its homeland. Translated from the Provencal (Occitan) language, the name of the variety means “young blackbird”. Some associate this with the beautiful blue-black color of the berries, others with birds feasting on these fruits.
Scientists believe that the Merlot variety appeared under the Romans in the 1st century. Written sources first mentioned it at the end of the 18th century.
Scientists have discovered through genetic research that Merlot comes from the Western European technical grape Cabernet Franc and the ancient French variety Magdalene Noir de Charentes.
Merlot was included in the State Register of the Russian Federation only in 2002.The originator is the Kuban State Agrarian University named after I. T. Trubilin.
Description of Merlot grape variety
The main purpose of growing Merlot grapes is to produce wine. It is not consumed fresh.
Bunches
Merlot grapes have small clusters. Average length 15 cm. Main characteristics:
- average width 9-10 cm;
- diameter up to 14 cm;
- cylindrical-conical shape, sometimes winged;
- average density;
- weight 130-135 g;
- Leg length is average.
The bunch contains 74% pure juice. About 22% comes from the dry part of the pulp, skin and seeds.
Berries
Merlot fruits are medium sized. Their main characteristics are:
- length 13.5 mm;
- width 12.5 mm;
- weight 1-1.4 g;
- round shape;
- color black;
- pronounced waxy blue coating;
- colorless juice;
- thin but durable skin;
- harmonious taste with a nightshade tint;
- juicy pulp;
- number of seeds up to three pieces;
- seeds are small, color brownish-brown, length 4.5-5 mm, width 2.5-3 mm;
- average acidity 6.9 g/l;
- sugar content in 100 ml 20-22%;
- calorie content per 100 g 63 kcal.
Vine
Young shoots have gray tops with pink spots. The main characteristics of the vine are:
- dense felt pubescence;
- annual shoots after ripening are yellowish-brown, the nodes are darker;
- bisexual flowers;
- growth strength is average.
Merlot grapes form strong or medium-growing bushes, the length of the shoots is 0.8-1 m, some reach 1.4-1.5 m
The size of the leaves of this variety is average. They look like this:
- round shape;
- the reverse side is pubescent in the form of a sparse cobweb;
- the color is green, there is a slight bronze tint;
- in autumn the color is yellow, red spots appear;
- five blades with triangular teeth at the ends, their sides are slightly convex;
- funnel-shaped curvature;
- the depth of the upper notches is average; more often they are closed, have an elliptical opening and a tooth at the bottom;
- the notches of the petioles are open and are lyre-shaped or lancet-shaped.
Characteristics of Merlot grapes
The full growing season of the variety takes approximately 250 days. In the south of Crimea, leaf fall is observed at the end of the year
Ripening period
The State Register of the Russian Federation classifies Merlot as a mid-late variety. The berries ripen in late September or early October. When the buds open, 152-164 days remain until technical ripeness. The lower limit of the period is recommended for table wines, the upper – for the dessert category. The ripening of the vines by autumn frosts is 90-95%.
Merlot grape yield
The variety is high-yielding and bears fruit consistently. According to official data, 47 centners are collected from 1 hectare, a maximum of 57 centners. Winegrowers give other figures - 60-80 centners per hectare on average, in the best years up to 150 centners. There are more than 52% of fruit-bearing shoots on the bush.
The first Merlot grape harvest is usually harvested in the third year
Taste qualities of Merlot grapes
Merlot grapes have a complex flavor. It is presented in the following tones:
- fruits – plum, cherry notes, blueberry, mulberry;
- vegetables and spices - shades of black and green olive, mint, rosemary, fennel, truffle, leather and tobacco.
The flavors of wine made from this grape variety change with age. At first, berry aromas predominate, and after aging in the barrel, chocolate, coffee, caramel, and vanilla notes appear.
Where does it grow
Merlot is grown in most wine regions of the world. Based on ecological and geographical characteristics, the variety is considered Western European. It is most common on the shores of the Mediterranean, in Algeria. The variety is also grown in the USA and Chile. In Russia, according to the State Register, the variety is recommended for the North Caucasus region.
Thanks to good winter hardiness, Merlot grapes can be grown even in the Moscow region. In such conditions, the crop must be covered for the winter. The best ripening indicators were noticed in the Krasnodar Territory.
Frost resistance
The Merlot variety has average frost resistance. In spring they are not harmful to the crop, but in late autumn, when the vine is not ripe, they can damage it and its buds. In winter, grapes can withstand temperatures dropping to -20-22 °C.
Drought resistance
The Merlot variety has average resistance to drought. The frequency of watering is based on weather conditions and soil composition.
Disease resistance
Merlot grapes are characterized by relative resistance to mildew and fruit rot. The variety is highly susceptible to oidium.
Keeping quality
Merlot grapes are not intended for long-term storage. Even in a cool room with good ventilation, the harvest will only last for a few weeks.
Advantages and disadvantages
Winegrowers are enjoying experimenting with growing Merlot and making wine from it. The taste of the drink largely depends on the time of harvesting - if you do it earlier, the acidity will be higher, since the fruits gain sugar content slowly.
In warm summers, Merlot fruits accumulate more sugar, and in cool years, ripening is ahead of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Pros:
- relative immunity to fruit rot, mildew;
- good resistance to frost and drought;
- self-pollination;
- stable and high productivity;
- seedlings take root well;
- rich bouquet of wine obtained from berries.
Minuses:
- strong susceptibility to oidium;
- tendency to peas (small berries).
Features of growing Merlot grapes
The crop is planted by cuttings or seedlings. If the root system is open, then it is better to plan the work for late spring or early summer; if the root system is closed, for April-May. The soil should warm up to at least 10 °C.
The best option for the Merlot variety is clay soil and a mixture of sand. The area should be well lit and protected from the wind. Groundwater must be at least 1.5-2 m away.
Landing
Merlot grapes are planted according to a 1.5x3 or 2x4 m pattern. Proximity to nightshades is not recommended.
It is better to prepare the planting hole in the fall, or at least in the spring 1-2 months in advance. Separately, remove the fertile layer, provide 15-20 cm of drainage by pouring crushed stone or broken brick. The removed fertile layer is mixed with the following components:
- humus - 2.5 buckets;
- wood ash - 2 cups;
- urea – 0.1 kg;
- superphosphate – 0.2 kg.
Fill the hole with this mixture and water it generously. The further algorithm for planting Merlot seedlings is as follows:
- Install a plastic tube (5 cm cross-section) into the hole for watering.
- Pour fertile soil, leaving 0.5 m to the top.
- Water generously.
- After absorbing moisture, place the seedling in the hole and spread the roots evenly.
- Fill in the hole.
- Shade the seedling.
If you plant Merlot grapes with green cuttings, you need to cut them at the beginning of flowering or two weeks before it. Make blanks of 45 cm, remove the lower leaves, and shorten the upper ones by 35-50%. The further algorithm is as follows:
- Make oblique cuts at the bottom and place the cuttings in water (room temperature) for two days.
- Dip the tops into melted paraffin for a couple of seconds, treat the oblique sections with a growth stimulator.
- Install a stake in the planting hole (prepared according to the standard algorithm).
- Make a hole nearby and place the cutting there so that the surface of the soil is 5 cm above the lower eye.
- Fill the hole and compact it.
- Water to settle the soil.
- After water has been absorbed, add moist soil.
To be on the safe side, you can plant two cuttings in each hole. If both take root, the weaker specimen is removed.
Merlot grown on calcareous soils produces a brighter wine; cultivation on sandy soil softens it.
Merlot grape pruning
The crop is pruned for sanitary purposes and for shaping. In the first case, all damaged and diseased branches are removed. This pruning is carried out in the spring.
To form a Merlot grape bush, old branches are removed to stimulate the growth of young shoots and increase yield. This pruning is carried out in the fall. The vines are shortened by 6-8 eyes.
Southern regions (Moldova, Ukraine) prefer multi-armed Merlot fan pruning, medium or long. In Crimea they make it short.
In addition to pruning, it is recommended to pinch the tips of the shoots before flowering or at the very beginning. This improves Merlot fruit set.
Conclusion
Merlot grapes are one of the most popular wine varieties. It has a medium-late ripening period, average resistance to frost and drought, and good immunity to fruit rot and mildew. When growing crops, it is important to provide comprehensive care, including competent and timely pruning, and preventive treatments against oidium.
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