merlot ingredients

[geschdan]

Hi,

Is Merlot generally made with additional ingredients, or pretty much just the grapes?

Thanks!

Dan

[Innkeeper]

Hi Geschdan, and welcome to the Wine Board. The following applies not only to merlot, but to all varietal wines (wines made with one variety). Wine usually has additional yeast added to it. In some countries, and parts of this country sugar or tartaric acid can be added to wine at various stages of winemaking. Some places allow a percentage of other grapes to be added to varietal wine. In California, where most American Merlot comes from, the percentage is 25%. Some winemakers tell you when the add other grapes, and others do not. Most merlot has other grapes added in at least a small amount, and 1% can make a difference, because the grape makes such one dimentional wine.