White Merlot is the same as white Zinfandel, except it is made from the Merlot grape. There was a time when pink wines were known as "rosé" wines. Now they are known as "blush" wines. As with 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.