One of the world’s most widely planted grape varieties, merlot has plenty going for it.
This soft, fleshy, early ripener can produce well-rounded, fruity wines that pair well with food, as well as adding finesse when blended with cabernet sauvignon – as is typical in world-beating wine regions in Bordeaux and California. Yet an unfortunate cameo in the hit 2004 film Sideways, which saw Paul Giamatti’s character deride merlot in favour of other grapes, saw its popularity plummet.
