(French, derived from merle, "blackbird", perhaps because of the dark colour of the grape, or because it is particularly favoured by blackbirds).
A classic, blue grape, merlot is the most common grape in use in the Bordeaux district, where it particularly dominates in the wines from Pomerol and St. Emilion. Wines produced from merlot are full-bodied and contain less tannic acid than cabernet sauvignon, with which it is often blended.
Merlot is a popular grape in Italy and Eastern Europe, and is gaining importance in the production of wine in California and other non-European wine-producing regions.