Merlot Wines
Sideways fanatics notwithstanding, Merlot wines continue to be some of the most popular red wines in the world. Relatively undiscovered as a stand-alone varietal until an unexpected interest took hold in the mid-'80s, this hardy little grape now thrives in lush wine regions all over the globe. But some wine snobs say Merlot is currently over-rated. After nearly two decades of unflagging popularity, Merlot is beginning to understand what Chardonnay went through a couple of years back.
There has, to be sure, been a bit of a Merlot backlash of late. But that's hardly the Merlot's fault.
Many feel that in rushing onto the Merlot bandwagon, many winemakers "Americanized" their Merlots, making
them, according to some wine experts, in a slap-dash manner, and sweeter "than they should
be."
However, unless you're having Robert Parker over for dinner, Merlots are always
a good choice for entertaining. They're very fruity, with essences of black pepper and cherry,
which makes them a nice accompaniment to meats of all kinds, especially venison and lamb.
They're straightforward and uncomplicated, and most people find them to be wine that doesn't take a lot
of getting used to.
If you want to try more "sophisticated" Merlots, here are some suggestions. Bordeaux wines are a combination
of Merlot, paired with Cabernet Sauvignon grapes--try these on for size when you're ready to experience
Merlot the old-fashioned French way. On the other side of the bank, you can find excellent wines made
exclusively from Merlot grapes in the offerings from Pomerol and St. Emillion. If you're looking for
a domestic Merlot that will satisfy even the fussiest oenophile, check out those from Washington State.
And the next time you're sitting next to a professionally-bored dinner companion who sneers over the
waiter's Merlot recommendation, you can gently (and truthfully) point out that the most expensive wines
in the world, priced on release at over a thousand dollars a bottle, are the Pomerol wines from
Château Pétrus and Château Le Pin, made from one hundred percent Merlot.
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