The choice of Merlot grapes is natural for domestic winemakers. It is not as capricious as other well-known varieties. It produces decent wine even in non-ideal climatic conditions in a large number of regions of our country. But, like every technical grape variety, it has its own characteristics, which are strictly taken into account. Otherwise, you won’t get a harvest from it.
History of the variety
The grape variety called “Merlot” was first mentioned at the very end of the 18th century, in the notes of an official from the Bordeaux wine region. The name itself comes from the local name for the blackbird - this bird is very fond of the berries of this variety.
The history of the origin of the cultivar has not yet been fully elucidated. It is known for sure that among the ancestors there was another famous French variety - Cabernet Franc. This, in turn, makes Merlot a relative of the popular technical variety - Cabernet Sauvignon.
Description of Merlot grapes
The standard description of Merlot grapes, like any other, includes information about the height of the bush, flowers, clusters and ripening time.
So, merlot can boast of the following characteristics:
- vigorous bush with vines of moderate length;
- capable of self-pollination, due to the presence of flowers of both sexes;
- the clusters are large, cylindrical, weighing up to 150 grams;
- berries - blue-black;
- number of grains in the berry - 2-3;
- sugar content - 22 grams per 100 cubic centimeters.
Thanks to these characteristics, the variety is easily recognized among other crops.
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
This grape has a number of advantages that have turned it into a favorite raw material for winemakers. At the same time, it is worth remembering that this is not a canteen, but a technical culture. It is not eaten in bunches, but is only made into wine.
The main advantages of Merlot include:
- rapid ripening;
- sugar accumulation by October;
- easily tolerates drought;
- not afraid of moderate frost;
- not susceptible to the scourge of vineyards - mildew;
- Merlot wine has a rich bouquet.
At the same time, this does not mean at all that this variety is devoid of shortcomings (and we are not talking about the taste preferences of wine lovers). Like any culture, Merlot has a number of negative qualities:
- easily affected by powdery mildew (oidium);
- prone to peas.
Like all industrial grape crops, it is extremely dependent on terroir.
Features and Specifications
The characteristics of Merlot should take into account a number of features, knowledge of which will help potential winemakers decide whether to grow this variety. In particular, these characteristics include the timing of maturation.
To obtain dry table wines, the grapes need to ripen for 152 days. And for dessert wines this period is extended by another two weeks.
This means that, under favorable conditions, the harvest is harvested in September or October. In Russian conditions, this is done in the climate of the Voronezh, Rostov regions and further south.
The sugar content in fruits is greatly influenced by the amount of precipitation - the less there is, the sweeter the berries.
Planting Tips
Like other grape varieties, Merlot is propagated by cuttings. The latter are planted in a sunny place, preferably on the south side, if the climate of the area is frosty. The site is chosen taking into account the fact that the crop will grow on it for at least several decades. Plant in well-drained, loose soil, with an acidity level of about 7. The soil used is one that is not rich in microelements and nutrients.
Rules of care
Caring for technical grape varieties is not difficult. All that is required is to loosen the soil in time, remove weeds, prevent diseases and pests, and, of course, water. Water Merlot in the evening, when the sun sets below the horizon.To do this, water is poured into special drainage holes. As for loosening the soil, this is done once every couple of weeks.
Disease resistance
Merlot is classified as a variety that is highly resistant to grape diseases and pests. It copes well with fungal diseases such as mildew. He is not afraid of rotting berries either. At the same time, it is highly susceptible to powdery mildew. It often affects the plant in humid years with not very high temperatures.
Conclusion
It is not for nothing that Merlot is considered one of the favorite varieties of winemakers. Resistant to diseases and weather conditions, it, at the same time, can become the raw material for wine rich in aromas and taste. Its ripening period is one of the earliest - only 152 days. And in dry years it is also rich in sugar. Of course, there are no problems, but they are easily solved.
