Currently considered one of the world's trendiest grape varieties, Merlot has long been a staple, but less well-known, variety in the vineyards of Bordeaux, used in blends with Cabernet Sauvignon to add soft, supple fruit to the final wine. More recently, it has made its name as the predominant variety in the highly sought-after garagiste wines of Pomerol and St-Emilion in Bordeaux. To add to its fame, it has also been widely suggested that one glass of Chilean Merlot a day may be beneficial to health. A practical format means that this guide can be used at home or when travelling.