Merlot

A grape variety from Gironde (F), Merlot is part of the blend of great Bordeaux wines. Its name likely comes from the French word "Merle" (blackbird, in English) which particularly appreciates its berries. Its parents were discovered through DNA testing: it is a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Magdeleine Noire des Charentes, an old grape variety that recently came close to extinction. Merlot is a half-brother of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec (Cot) and Carmenère. In Switzerland, this easy-to-grow but susceptible to mildew grape variety was introduced in the middle of the 19th century in the canton of Vaud, but it was in Ticino that it flourished, becoming the canton's emblematic symbol after its introduction in 1906, following the outbreak of phylloxera.

Merlot offers wines with notes of roasted coffee, burnt cherry, wild berries and chocolate. It has supple tannins and a dark robe with purplish highlights.