According to the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board, 85 percent of Colorado's vineyard acreage is planted in premium vitis vinifera varietals, with merlot accounting for nearly one-fifth of that amount.
Here is what Colorado vineyards are planting:
Merlot, 19.3%
Cabernet Sauvignon, 18.6%
Syrah, 15.4%
Chardonnay, 11.3%
Riesling, 8.5%
Cabernet Franc, 7.1%
Viognier, 2.9%
Gewurtztraminer, 2.4%
Sauvignon Blanc, 2.4%
Pinot Noir, 2.3%
Other, 10%
