The white grape variety originates from France. Synonyms are Merlau Blanc, Merlaut Blanc and Merlot Bianco.

It is said to have been brought back from a hunt in south-west France in 1891 by a vineyard owner named Guinaudie. He planted it in the vineyards of his Château de Geneau in Virsac (Département Gironde). It was named Merlot Blanc because of its similarity to Merlot. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2013, it is the result of a presumably natural cross between Merlot x Folle Blanche.
This medium-ripening, high-yielding vine is moderately resistant to powdery and downy mildew, but is highly susceptible to botrytis (grey rot) and sensitive to drought. It produces simple, neutral-tasting white wines that are mainly used for blending.
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