The Merlot grape has been cultivated during two centuries in Bordeaux. It is a vine whose origin is unknown. The name comes from an association to the Blackbird, a bird that secures its berries when they are mature (Merlot, in patois: small black bird). Considered a perfect variety for Uruguay, it is the 2nd most widely planted at the moment. It gives colourful wines, with tender but present tannins, which allow keeping them for a long time. Its best wine is rich and seductive, and it develops good complexity when aged in bottle during many years. This vivid, concentrated red shows how brightly Merlot can shine in Uruguay.