Origin: The origins of this variety lie in France. The first written mention in Bordeaux dates back to the 14th century, when Merlot was still known as "Crabatut noir". As early as 1784, the grape variety was called Merlot and was already considered one of the most important varieties in the Bordelais at that time. A comprehensive description of the variety was first published in 1857 by Victor Rendu in his work "Ampélographie française". 

Interbreeding: Magdeleine Noire des Charentes x Cabernet Franc

Characteristics: Merlot has an early bud burst and blossom time. In adverse flowering weather, there is a risk of couluring, which can cause irregular yields. The vigorous variety ripens medium to late and produces high yields with good blossom. On optimal sites and with the help of yield-regulating measures, high qualities can be produced with this variety. 

Grape: The grape is medium sized and cylindrically shaped, occasionally shouldered. It has a loose berry arrangement, the berries themselves being roundish and medium in size. The berries have a black-blue colour and give off a fragrant smell.

Wine: Compared to Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc, the wines of this variety present a smoother and more pleasing characteristic. The aroma is often reminiscent of plums and blackcurrants. Due to the soft tannins, these wines are often used as blending partners, but are also frequently vinified single-variety. Only at high ripeness do the wines show their pronounced fruitiness with soft extract sweetness and have excellent storage qualities. If the grapes are not fully ripe, there is a risk that the wines will leave a grassy and green impression.

Cultivation: This red wine variety needs deep and humus-rich soils. It has a low winter frost resistance and is not suitable for locations at risk of late frost due to its early bud burst. With regard to climatic conditions, it is well suited for cultivation in Germany.

Clones

• The numerous Geisenheimer-Truant clones hardly differ from each other. The clones 8 Gm-Truant and 13 Gm-Truant are most in demand. They were selected in Italy from old vine stocks and are characterised by smaller grapes, lower yields and a higher colour potential. Due to the loose grape structure, they are more resistant in areas with high rainfall and show a high botrytis tolerance. They have a high quality potential. 
  
  
• The French clone ENTAV 181 produces medium yields, medium must weights and a very good wine quality.
  
  
• The French clone ENTAV 343 is characterised by medium yields with high must weights and the wines have excellent ageing ability.