Does Merlot have a bad reputation?
Merlot used to be one of the most openly popular red wines. Recently, it’s come under attack, mostly due to disparaging comments in the movie, Sideways. The character played by Paul Giamatti says, “If anyone orders Merlot, I’m leaving!” But don’t let that stop you from enjoying this soft red wine. He’s not with you now, is he? According to the Oxford Companion to Wine, 2006 edition, Merlot is the third most planted grape in the world, making it, well, quite popular. Whether Californians admit it or not, Merlot still carries weight in the wine world. Merlot is a wine perfect for people learning to appreciate red wines, or people who don’t enjoy the wines heavier in tannins. It’s a relative of the Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. In fact, Merlot wine is used for blending with many other wines. Wine pairing for Merlot Merlot is less intense than Cabernet Sauvignon, but it still pairs well with beef and red pastas. It also goes perfectly well with roast chicken, cheesy dishes,
