Merlot is another red wine grape variety that is widely cultivated and used in winemaking around the world. It is known for producing wines that are generally softer, rounder, and more approachable than some of the more tannic red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is often used in blends, and it is a key component in Bordeaux wines, particularly on the right bank of the Gironde River.