These are some of the properties and characteristics of the Merlot grape:

 • Very susceptible to drought during the ripening period
 • Ripens mid season
 • If planted in very fertile soils it is susceptible to downy mildew and botrytis
 • Leaves are medium sized and deep club-shaped and smooth
 • The berries are medium sized round, thin skinned and black

If someone gives you a glass of wine and asks you what wine it is, here are characteristics that will help you identify the varietal:

Coffee, red fruits, chocolate, meaty.