The brooding dark blue Merlot is the world's most planted variety, proving its worth as both a varietal and blending grape. The name is most likely derived from the French word for blackbird; apt given it is an early ripening grape producing a medium-bodied wine. Best known in the classic wines of Bordeaux, Merlot contributes to some of the world's most extraordinary and expensive wines including Château Pétrus, from the Bordeaux estate located in the Pomerol appellation, and Château Le Pin, a small estate on the Right Bank of the Gironde. Merlot also makes a statement in the USA, Chile and South Africa, whilst Australian producers tend to blend it to complement the more tannic Cabernet Sauvignon. It stands well on its own in warmer inland regions such as Riverina, Riverland and Murray Darling, where the sunshine brings to life its berry, plum and currant characters that love being paired with red meat, pork or pasta.
Centred on the slopes of Mount Canobolas, Orange is synonymous for its orchard fruits and its classy cool climate wines produced from grapes grown at high altitude. This sub-region of the Central Ranges (along with Cowra and Mudgee) is a newish wine region with vines first planted commercially in 1980. There are currently more than 30 wineries and cellar doors in Orange showcasing its fine Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Shiraz that thrive in its rich volcanic soils. Chardonnay is the most important wine produced in Orange showing melon, fig and nectarine flavours, Shiraz is the most widely planted, and lovers of medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot will be very pleasantly surprised.
