“Is Merlot making a comeback in the wine world?”

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Is Merlot Making a Comeback in the Wine World?

Table of Contents

Introduction

Merlot is a wine that has had its ups and downs throughout history. At one point, it was considered one of the best wines in the world. However, after an infamous scene in the 2004 movie “Sideways,” its popularity took a nosedive. For years, Merlot sales lagged behind other types of wine. But now, rumors are swirling that the wine is making a comeback. So, is it true? Is Merlot once again becoming a popular wine choice? We explore this question in-depth in this blog post.

A Brief History of Merlot

Merlot is a red wine grape that has its roots in the Bordeaux region of France. The grape is known for its high sugar content, which results in a wine that is often described as “soft” and “velvety.” It is usually used in blended wines, but it can also be found as a single varietal wine.

Merlot became popular in the early 18th century when it was established as one of the top grape varieties in the Bordeaux region. It was soon making its way to other parts of Europe, including Italy and Switzerland. During this time, Merlot had a reputation for producing wines that were smooth, easy to drink, and bore no harsh tannins.

The Sideways Effect and the Dip in Merlot Sales

In the early 2000s, Merlot was at the height of its popularity. However, that all changed with the release of the movie “Sideways” in 2004. The movie, which was a hit with critics and audiences alike, features a scene where the main character disparages Merlot, saying he refuses to drink it.

This statement had an immediate effect on Merlot sales. Within a year, sales of Merlot had dropped by 2%. The following year saw a further decline of 4%. It may not seem like a lot, but it was significant enough for many people in the wine industry to take notice.

The Revival of Merlot

Despite its dip in popularity, Merlot has been making a comeback in recent years. In fact, sales of Merlot have been steadily increasing since 2014. In 2018, sales of Merlot in the United States alone increased by 5%.

One reason for the revival of Merlot is that wine drinkers are becoming more interested in trying different types of wine. As people become more adventurous in their wine choices, they are looking beyond the traditional Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, and Merlot is becoming a more popular option.

Another reason for the revival of Merlot is that winemakers have become more skilled at producing high-quality Merlot wines. They are making wines that are complex, full-bodied, and able to stand on their own as a single varietal wine.

Merlot’s Popularity Today

Today, Merlot is still not as popular as it once was. Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir have surpassed Merlot in terms of popularity. However, Merlot is still widely available and is becoming more popular among wine enthusiasts.

Part of the reason for this is that Merlot is generally less expensive than other types of wine. This is because it is easier to grow and is more adaptable to different climates. This means that winemakers can produce large quantities of Merlot without compromising on quality.

The Unique Taste and Characteristics of Merlot

Merlot is known for its smooth, velvety taste. It has a medium body with a lower acidity than other types of wine, which makes it a popular option among those who are just starting to drink red wine.

Merlot often has notes of black cherry, plum, and chocolate, with a hint of spice. However, the taste of Merlot can vary depending on where it is grown and how it is aged. For example, Merlot from Bordeaux will have a slightly different taste than Merlot from California.

Pairing Merlot with Food

Merlot is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods. It goes particularly well with grilled meats, such as steak and lamb. It also pairs well with tomato-based dishes, such as spaghetti Bolognese. Those who enjoy cheese will find that Merlot pairs well with softer cheeses, such as Brie and Camembert.

Wineries to Try Merlot From

If you’re interested in trying Merlot, here are a few wineries to keep an eye out for:

  • Chateau Ste. Michelle – Located in Washington, Chateau Ste. Michelle is known for producing high-quality Merlot wines.
  • Duckhorn Vineyards – Duckhorn Vineyards is located in Napa Valley and produces a variety of Merlot wines, including its flagship Three Palms Merlot.
  • Chateau Petrus – Chateau Petrus is located in Bordeaux and is known for producing some of the most expensive and sought-after Merlot wines in the world.

In Conclusion: The Revival of Merlot

After its dip in popularity thanks to “Sideways,” Merlot is making a comeback. Wine drinkers are becoming more adventurous and are interested in trying different types of wine. Winemakers have also become more skilled at producing high-quality Merlot wines, making the wine a more compelling option.

While Merlot is still not as popular as Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir, it is widely available and becoming more popular among wine enthusiasts. It is also a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods, making it a great wine to have on hand for dinner parties.

FAQs

What is Merlot?

Merlot is a red wine grape that is known for producing wines that are smooth, velvety, and easy to drink.

Why did Merlot’s popularity decline?

Merlot’s popularity declined after the release of the movie “Sideways” in 2004. In the movie, the main character disparages Merlot, which led to a drop in sales. However, Merlot has been making a comeback in recent years.

What foods pair well with Merlot?

Merlot pairs well with a variety of foods, including grilled meats, tomato-based dishes, and soft cheeses.

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