Merlot is one of the world's most widely planted red grapes and is appreciated for its softness and approachability. The grape is early ripening, has a thinner skin than Cabernet Sauvignon and produces red wines with rounder tannins, lower acidity and rich fruit: plum, cherry, chocolate and coffee. In Bordeaux, Merlot plays a key role – in Pomerol and Saint-Émilion it dominates entirely and can produce exceptionally complex, rich wines. In the New World – California, Chile – it often delivers a fruity and accessible style. Merlot is often an excellent entry point for those wishing to explore red wines.