Editing Merlot (section)

=== Oceania, South Africa, and Asia ===
In [[New Zealand (wine)|New Zealand]], plantings of Merlot have increased in the [[Hawke's Bay region]], particularly in [[Gimblett Gravels]] where the grape has shown the ability to produce Bordeaux-style wine.<ref name="Goldstein pg 148-152"/> The grape has been growing in favor among New Zealand producers due to its ability to ripen better, with less green flavors, than Cabernet Sauvignon. Other regions with significant plantings include [[Auckland]], [[Marlborough Region|Marlborough]], and [[Martinborough]].<ref name="Clarke pg 129-133"/> In 2008, Merlot was the second most widely red grape variety (after Pinot noir) in New Zealand and accounted for nearly 5% of all the country's plantings with {{convert|1363|ha|acres}} in cultivation.<ref name="Wine Grapes"/>

In [[Australia (wine)|Australia]], some vineyards labeled as "Merlot" were discovered to actually be Cabernet Franc. Merlot vines can also be found growing in the [[Barossa Valley (wine)|Barossa Valley]], [[McLaren Vale]], and [[Wrattonbully]] in [[South Australia (wine)|South Australia]].<ref name="Clarke pg 129-133"/> In 2008, it was the third most widely planted red grape variety after [[Syrah]] and Cabernet Sauvignon with {{convert|10537|ha|acres}}. As in California, the global "Merlot craze" spurred an increase of plantings, most of it in the warm, [[irrigated (wine)|irrigated]] regions of [[Murray Darling]], [[Riverina]], and [[Riverland]], where the grape variety could be mass-produced. Recent plantings, such as those in the [[Margaret River]] area of [[Western Australia (wine)|Western Australia]] have been focusing on making more Bordeaux-style blends.<ref name="Wine Grapes"/>

In [[South Africa (wine)|South Africa]], plantings of Merlot have focused on cooler sites within the [[Paarl]] and [[Stellenbosch]] regions.<ref name="Clarke pg 129-133"/> Here the grape is the third most widely planted red grape variety, accounting for nearly 15% of all red wine grape plantings, with {{convert|6614|ha|acres}} of Merlot in cultivation in 2008. The majority of these plantings are found in the Stellenbosch region with {{convert|2105|ha|acres}} and Paarl with {{convert|1289|ha|acres}}. According to wine expert Jancis Robinson, South African Merlot tend to be made as a varietal in a "chocolately, glossy California style".<ref name="Wine Grapes"/>

In Asia, Merlot is planted in emerging wine regions in [[India (wine)|India]]. It can also be found in Japan with {{convert|816|ha|acre}} in 2009 and in China with {{convert|3204|ha|acre}}.<ref name="Wine Grapes"/>