Antique Merlot Grape Variety Plate - Ampelography Viala & Vermorel

This reproduction of a naturalist plate features the Merlot grape variety, characterized by its deep purple cluster of grapes. The illustration highlights the morphological details of the variety, including green leaves and the orange stem on a pale yellow background. The iconographic analysis of this plate shows a descriptive precision essential for historical wine-growing identification, emphasizing the texture of the grapes and the veins of the foliage.

The original work belongs to the Traité général de viticulture directed by Pierre Viala and Victor Vermorel between 1901 and 1910. This colossal encyclopedic project aimed to catalogue all the world's grape varieties at the turn of the 20th century. The style of the engraving reflects the scientific requirement of the era, combining absolute documentary rigor with the refined aesthetics of classical botanical lithography.

This antique illustration constitutes a reference document for oenology and natural history enthusiasts. It finds its place in a tasting space or within a thematic collection on wine heritage. Its visual clarity and historical authenticity make it a sober and instructive decorative piece, ideal for a cabinet of curiosities-style interior.