White Merlot is made in the same way as White Zinfandel, except it is made from the Merlot grape. White Merlot is a "blush" wine as is White Zinfandel. White Merlot derives it's color by leaving the grape juice in contact with the red skins of the grape for a short period of time, usually hours or days. A deep red wine has the juices in contact with the skins for weeks.