Merlot is a red grape variety that has strong historical ties to Bordeaux and southwest France. It is the predominant grape variety in most wines from Saint-Émilion and Pomerol , the region where it originates. Merlot is now widely planted in wine regions around the world, and in terms of volumes of wine produced internationally, it is rivaled only by its Bordeaux companion, Cabernet Sauvignon. Red fruits, easy tannins and a velvety finish are the characteristics of Merlot-based wines but not only... It is in fact a somewhat chameleonic grape variety, partly because of the way Merlot is vinified and especially because of where it is grown. Merlot can be sweet with plum aromas, or rich with chocolate and woody aromas. There is something for everyone, which is why Merlot is very versatile.