Merlots have soared in popularity in the last decade. Merlot is the most widely potbound grape in the Bordeaux wine region in France, and it is also quite widely potbound in wine regions in the cohesive States, particularly in California. In California, there were single 2000 acres of Merlot in 1985, over the years, this has mature to 50,000 acres in 2003. While Merlots are quite often softer and more abundant than Cabernet Sauvignon, they are standing often full-bodied, deep in color, and fairly higher in alcohol with flavors of cherry, plum and chocolate. Merlot matures in the bottle early than Cabernet Sauvignon, so Merlots are generally held in higher esteem by wine drinkers than by wine collectors. Merlot is also commonly blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, to soften the Cabernet, and create a more complex wine.

Life is too short to remain dull and ordinary. Indeed, it is said that the path to a more vibrant, absorbing and stimulating life is to try new things. much is the quest of the pessimistic wine drinker to find a never-seen-before wine that promises a little extra. Avoid Plain, uninteresting and Bitter Wines The normal wine selection at some restaurant, bottle shop, or celler consists of a range of variations of the traditional wine types: Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Semillon, Merlot, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine connoisseur will recognise complete of these types of wine whilst the average joe should recognise a few of the more popular ones such as the Chardonnay. However, chances are both groups of wine drinkers have probably sampled at least a few different types. A wine tasting is all that is needed to establish your preference. If you were always unimpressed with the traditional types or have saved yourself becoming little impressed as time unfolds, these are signs to change the wine you drink.