The Wine Profile

1 How is the body of a Merlot wine most often described?

A Extremely full and heavy, heavier than most red wines B Light and watery, almost like a rosé wine C Always light and delicate, similar to a Pinot Noir D Medium- to full-bodied, with a soft and rounded feel

2 In a Bordeaux blend, what is Merlot's typical contribution to the wine?

A High acidity and green flavours B Intense colour and harsh tannin C Floral aromas and low alcohol D Softness, roundness, and plummy fruit flavours

3 Is Merlot typically aged in oak barrels?

A Never — Merlot is always unoaked B Yes, quality Merlot is often aged in French oak barrels C Only in Australia, nowhere else D Only American oak is used, never French

4 Which color description best fits a typical glass of Merlot?

A Golden yellow with green hints, clear and bright B Medium to deep ruby, slightly translucent at the rim C Deep purple-black, completely opaque all the way to the rim D Pale pink with a salmon hue throughout the glass

5 Can Merlot be enjoyed young, or does it always need long ageing?

A Merlot can be enjoyed young — its soft tannins make it approachable early B Merlot must always be aged at least 10 years C Only white Merlot can be drunk young D Merlot is too acidic to drink before 5 years of age

6 Merlot is famous for being blended in Bordeaux. How is it often produced outside Europe?

A As a single-grape varietal wine on its own B Blended with white grapes for a lighter style C Always blended with at least three other grapes D Only as a sparkling wine in the New World