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California Merlot

Details: Of California table wine shipments, Merlot is the third leading red varietal after Cabernet Sauvignon and Red Blends purchased by Americans today. California Merlot consumption held a 7% share of shipments in U.S. food stores in 2016, according to the Nielsen Company and Gomberg, Fredrikson & Associates estimates. What is the reason for Merlot's popularity? Industry observers offer possible explanations. Consumers continue to try red wine because of news reports linking moderate drinking to a healthy lifestyle. Also, white and blush drinkers may be expanding their preferences to red. Merlot may be the choice in both instances because of the soft, approachable and luscious character that is appealing to new and regular red wine drinkers. In restaurants, Merlot's average price is similar to the average price of the widely popular Chardonnay varietal.

The Merlot Grape

Merlot is one of the principal winegrape varieties of the Bordeaux region in France, and was brought to California in the mid-19th century. Historically, vintners have used Merlot as a blending grape to soften a wine, usually with Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot tannins are less forceful than Cabernet Sauvignon, so Merlot wine tends to mature earlier. Merlot is now primarily popular as a varietal wine. Most of the Merlot vines are planted in Lodi/San Joaquin County, followed by Napa Valley, Monterey, and Sonoma counties.

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Top California Counties for Merlot Acreage, 2016

County	2016 Total Acres
San Joaquin	7,497
Napa	5,112
Monterey	4,997
Sonoma	4,948
San Luis Obispo	3,942
Sacramento	3,319
Madera	2,784
Merced	1,936
Mendocino	1,412
Yolo	758
Other	4,426
STATE TOTAL	41,131

Source: California Agricultural Statistics Service

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California Merlot Grape Crush Tonnage

Year	Tons Crushed
2016	268,969
2015	252,889
2014	282,300
2013	346,149
2012	334,916
2011	286,340
2010	310,716
2009	326,356
2008	225,770
2007	304,078
2006	333,501
2005	423,776
2004	292,256
2003	261,085
2002	306,930
2001	273,397
2000	305,151
1999	239,567
1998	201,491
1997	201,707
1996	104,041
1995	73,666
1994	54,200
1993	40,996
1992	37,037
1991	26,493
1990	15,205

Source: California Agricultural Statistics Service