NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – “If anyone orders merlot, I’m leaving.”
Merlot has gotten a bad rap ever since Miles Raymond called it out on the movie “Sideways.”
Richard Ellis, general manager of Brady’s Wine Warehouse on Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, says the classic red is “tragically undervalued.” The movie, he says, is to blame.
“Since that movie it still sells beautifully at $15 and under, but over $25 it’s become very difficult to put in somebody’s hands,” Ellis explains.
Ellis says if you’re still making merlot at a winery, “it’s because you’re really good at it and you care.”
Ellis says there are two styles of merlot – the inexpensive, very accessible fruit-forward kind and the more elegant, structured and very hard to blend from cabernet.
“So if you’re looking to cut your dollar, take a look at merlot,” Ellis says. “These are awesome bottles, and there’s not as much competition as there used to be.”
If you have questions about merlot or anything else wine- and food-related, stop by Brady’s, visit their Facebook page or email them at info@bradyswinewarehouse.com.