Merlot Grapes are a strain of Vitis vinifera that was originally cultivated in Bordeaux, France.
Merlot is grown throughout the world, being used in single grape wines and as a blending grape.
It is the most widely grown grape in Bordeaux, being used mostly as a blending grape for Bordeaux wines.
It is also grown in the South of France, much of Eastern Europe, Chile*, much of the US, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand.
*Chile is a notable case, as when the country tried to adopt the Bordeaux style blend they began cultivating what they thought was Merlot, but was actually Carmenère, a close relative of Merlot.
Merlot's aroma profile varies slightly based on the climate it is grown in, from red plum and cherry in colder areas to blackberry and fruitcake in warmer areas.
Generally, Merlot has tastes of cherry, chocolate, and vanilla.
Merlot is very smooth due to its high alcohol content and medium tannins. It has a medium to full body, a medium acidity, and is bone dry.
Merlot is the 2nd most planted grape variety in the world, second only to Cabernet Sauvignon. Compared to the other wines I covered, it is fairly young, with it first being documented in the late 18th century.