Merlot tends to divide opinion. Being a “Half-brother” to Cabernet Sauvignon (both share Cabernet Franc as their “father”), with a somewhat similar flavour profile, you’d expect the same bold character to step forward. Instead, this chameleon of a grape surprises with every vintage and iteration.
Merlot is thought to derive its name from the diminutive of Merle, the French for Blackbird, a likely reference to the almost black colour of the grape. The earliest mentions of the grape date back to 1784, then called Merlau, according to a Bordeaux official, labeling it one of the area’s best. Since then, the grape has seen an almost meteoric rise in planting and production, being estimated as the second most planted grape in the world.
This can be due to the grape being the king of versatility. Possessing the ability to produce lighter wines with abundance of fruit, to rounded complex wines with fantastic ageing potential. Due to its softer tannins, it’s become a staple of some of the most well-known Bordeaux blends, seamlessly blending to enhance the palate and allowing its partner varietals to shine.
It’s the reason this chameleon grape tends to divide opinion. Some stating it’s only a blending wine, while others claim it’s only a less powerful Cabernet Sauvignon. Lanzerac’s Jonkershoek Merlot aims to bridge this divide. Boasting an abundance of black cherries, plums and a touch of dark chocolate, without the biting tannin of its bolder family members.
This festive season, make the Jonkershoek Merlot part of your celebrations and overcome divided opinion with merriment and delight.