the style of merlot in california can vary grape being found across state in both warmer , cooler climate regions. while regional examples of california merlot exist places napa valley , sonoma, many bottles labeled california merlot.
in history of california wine, merlot used 100% varietal wine until winemaker warren winiarski encouraged taking grape blending roots bordeaux style blends. following merlot wine craze of 1990s sparked 60 minutes french paradox report, sales of merlot spiked grape hitting peak plantings of on 20,640 hectares (51,000 acres) in 2004. 2004 movie sideways, lead character pinot noir fan expresses disdain of merlot, has been connected declining merlot sales in after release (and larger spike of interest in pinot noir). 2010, plantings of california merlot had dropped 18,924 hectares (46,760 acres).
in california, merlot can range fruity simple wines (sometimes referred critics red chardonnay ) more serious, barrel aged examples. can used primary component in meritage blends.
while merlot grown throughout state, particularly prominent in napa, monterey , sonoma county. in napa, examples los carneros, mount veeder, oakville , rutherford tend show ripe blackberry , black raspberry notes. sonoma merlots alexander valley, carneros , dry creek valley tend show plum, tea leaf , black cherry notes.
washington state
in 1980s, merlot helped put washington wine industry on world s wine map. prior period there general perception climate of washington state cold produce red wine varietals. merlots leonetti cellar, andrew will, columbia crest , chateau ste. michelle demonstrated areas of eastern washington warm enough red wine production. today second grown red wine grape in state (after cabernet sauvignon), following many years of being planted variety, , accounts 1 fifth of state s entire production. in 2011, there 3,334 hectares (8,240 acres) of washington merlot in cultivation.
washington merlots columbia valley noted deep color.
it planted throughout columbia valley ava has earned particular notice plantings grown in walla walla, red mountain , horse heaven hills. washington merlots noted deep color , balanced acidity. state s climate lends towards long days , hours of sunshine cool nights contributes significant diurnal temperature variation , produces wines new world fruitiness , old world structure.
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