REDISCOVERING MERLOT
BEYOND SIDEWAYS : Rediscovering Merlot
H
ow many times have you thought to yourself, “Wow, I could really go for a glass of Merlot right now”? Probably rarely, if ever. However, how many times have you thought to yourself, “I would love a glass of a smooth California red,” or “How about a bottle of Bordeaux or a full-bodied Super Tuscan?” Merlot can fit those bills.
Merlot is a common blending partner with Cabernet Sauvignon, amongst other grapes, in some of the most famous wine-making regions in the world; however, it unfortunately rarely gets the recognition that it deserves. Merlot got a bad reputation from the 2004 movie Sideways , which depicts Merlot as a simple, boring wine. In one infamous scene, a character claims they would never drink Merlot. Ever since then, it has been an uphill battle for Merlot to make a comeback. While Merlot is best known for its role in blends, it is bottled as a single varietal in some of the most famous wines in the world — Château Petrus in Bordeaux, Duckhorn’s Three Palms Vineyard in Napa Valley and Tua Rita’s Redigaffi in Bolgheri, Italy, to name a few. These wines will cost you a pretty penny, but they are a beautiful expression of this under-appreciated grape. So what is Merlot, exactly? Merlot is a French grape, originating in the region of Bordeaux in the 16th and 17th centuries, where it still calls home. Since then, it has spread around the world and is now one of the most planted grape varieties. Merlot is known for its strawberry, plum and black cherry flavours, and hints of baking spice. When it is aged in oak, which it often is, it becomes chocolatey and toasty. Where it may lack in structure, it makes up for it with a round, plush and smooth body. As Merlot ages, it takes on meaty flavours and hints of tobacco. Merlot’s soft red fruit flavours make it a great accompaniment to grilled burgers, steak or short rib.
14 SAVOUR MANITOBA | FALL 25
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