Why does merlot get such a bad press?

Answer 1

A lot of it was down to the mass production of the grape, and with Merlot itself having such a naturally low tannin level, it was like producing alcoholic fruit. No body, no structure etc etc.

The soil in which any grape is grown is responsible for a lot of how it tastes. The best area in the world for growing Merlot is Bordeaux, with St. Emilion and Pomerol producing the greatest styles of this grape. Petrus is the MoFo Daddy of them all.

But to answer your question, mass production produced thin watery alcoholic fruit juices and that is what put a lot of drinkers off.

Answer 2

i love merlot. I work in the wine industry and just read an article in an industry publication called the gomberg report and merlot actually outsells the nearest competitor by 3 to 1. It is the most popular red in the country. even after the movie sideways that tried to bash it.

merlot is a nice light-ish fruity red that is pretty easy to drink and far more consistent in many places than pinot noir.

Answer 3

The personal preference of a fictional character from the movie Sideways. Since then, people have taken on his opinions and passed them off as their own in order to sound knowledgeable.

There is nothing wrong with Merlot.

Answer 4

I learned to appreciate red wine by drinking merlot because it's flavors were more palatable (spelling?). As I began to appreciate wine more, I developed a more discerning palate and now have a real passion for a hearty "in your face" cabernet.

I think Merlot gets bad press because its flavors are not overly complex and the grape is fairly easy to grow which makes it more common and available on a large-scale. It's now getting a reputation as wine-for-beginners which may contribute to it's bad press.

Answer 5

I wasn't aware of this! I will stand up for merlot and give it a good press then.

I am not a red wine drinker. I like white wine but one of my favourite bottles is a white merlot that Tesco do for justt £2.99. Despite the cheap price it is very tasty and good quality - a real bargain. Has the flavour of the merlot grape but is a proper white wine (something to do with the process in making it gives it a white colour and white wine feel).

Answer 6

personally I can't stand merlot, although everyone I know buys it. I much prefer a good zinfandel. I would like to try the white merlot, however. CarolSandyToes1

Answer 7

Does it? I'm quite partial to a Merlot, prefer a Rioja though. Cab Sav is the cheap cr*p that deserves bad press.

Answer 8

Probably the movie "Sideways". But in Napa Valley, merlot is still the hot wine to drink right now. It's surpassing the pinot noirs.

Answer 9

I think its a great wine, particularly with game or red meats where its round fruity flavour compliments the food. As an evening drink it could be a little rough on sensitive tongues but thats the fun of finding out ... Cheers!

Answer 10

Part of it is that movie, _Sideways_. I heard Pinot went up, and Merlot went down after that!