The Sideways Curse Has Lifted: Merlot Is Having a Comeback
Sales of luxury merlots are increasing again, and restaurants are pouring more of it. Why? Because despite pop culture prejudice, it tastes good.
Merlot was once the fan-favorite red grape and wine. Then came 2004 hit movie Sideways, in which Miles, the pinot-noir-loving main character, trashes the varietal before heading into a bar: “If anyone orders merlot, I’m leaving,” he explodes. “I am not drinking any f---ing merlot.”
Interest in pinot skyrocketed, while the reputation of merlot tanked. In California, growers pulled out more than 10,000 acres of merlot grapes.