Merlot Facts

• Eden Valley had only 1 acre of Merlot in 1980 (Mountadam) with a crush of 3 tonnes
• Eden Valley had 173 tonnes in 2000 crush and 287 tonnes in 2003 crush
• Barossa District 2002 crush 2,580 tonnes
• South Australia had 20,770 tonnes in 2000 and 40,000 tonnes in 2003 crush
• South Australia Riverland had 12,020 tonnes in 2000 and 20,700 tonnes in 2003 crush
• South Australia planted area equals 3,170 hectares of which 1,160 hectares is still yet to bear
• Tonnes required: 4,200 by 2002 and 61,700 by 2008
• National Merlot tonnage in 2000 was 53,580 tonnes
• National Merlot tonnage in 2002 was 104,400 tonnes
• National Merlot tonnage crush 2005 - forecast is 107,540 tonnes
• Merlot is a relative newcomer to Bordeaux - 18th Century
• Merlot is the most planted variety in Bordeaux with 80,000 acres
• Total Merlot plantings in France in 1979 was 95,000 acres
• The merlot crush in California grew in 6 years from 10,000 tonnes to over 100,000 tonnes
• Merlot vineyard area in California in 1988 was 1,820 hectares, 1996 planted area was 13,000 hectares. Planted now, 1/11/03 21,000 hectares
• Really only one or two true Merlots in Bordeaux, the rest are blends of up to four varieties
• Many of the great French "Merlots" are from small vineyards, 4-15 hectares
• Merlot is often confused with Carmenere/Cabernet Franc in the vineyard, so you may not have Merlot at all
• There is at least 200 branded Australian Merlots available
• Styles range from BIB all the way through to World Competitor status
• There are only two sparkling Merlots in the world. Irvine was first.