MERLOT
Quick overview
Merlot is a full bodied red wine that generally has medium acidity and tannins, and will normally express black fruit notes, depending on where it's grown. It can produce some of the most expensive wines in the world - Chateau Petrus is almost exclusively 100% Merlot.
On the grapevine...
Bordeaux is the classic home for Merlot and the right side of the Gironde Estuary produces wines that are predominantly Merlot based - often termed 'right bank Bordeaux'. Two of the best and well-known appellations are Saint Emilion and Pomerol. These wines are always aged in oak which soften any harsh tannins, concentrate the flavour and produce some vanilla flavours.
More about the grape...
If Merlot is grown in hot climates it will often show more black fruit flavours, be full bodied and have low acidity and tannins. If it's grown in cool climates it will likely taste of red fruits, have higher tannins and acidity and often display some herbal notes - people often say this is the more 'refined' of both styles.
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Random information...
Merlot is the most commonly grown grape variety in France. (Wikipedia 2016) The very best wines come from the Cru Classé chateaux (for example St. Emilion Grand Cru Classe chateaux) and will age a very long time (over 60 years).
Safe bet countries/ regions (this is a VERY general guide)
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Pomerol, Saint-Emilion - Bordeaux, France
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Chile - South America
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Hawkes Bay, Marlborough - New Zealand
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California - USA