“Sideways” put a completely unfair stigma on Merlot that it has still yet to fully overcome in the US

Posted on August 16, 2026 at 05:16:55 PM by WestSideBlue

Most Bordeaux is primarily Merlot. It is a good, relatively approachable, low tannin red. But because of a throwaway line in a just okay movie 15 years ago people think it is dogshit.

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Thread:

I'm drinking a merlot..... - By carlson August 16, 2026 at 05:09:05 PM
- “Sideways” put a completely unfair stigma on Merlot that it has still yet to fully overcome in the US - By WestSideBlue August 16, 2026 at 05:16:55 PM
  - i’m a malbec guy first and foremost ** - By kal August 16, 2026 at 06:17:13 PM
  - current view - By Poster P August 16, 2026 at 06:09:27 PM
    - Nice view* - By Daytripper August 16, 2026 at 08:19:43 PM
    - Damn, P* - By crumbs August 16, 2026 at 06:11:27 PM
      - I live in wine country. My girl is visiting so we’re doing the thing* - By Poster P August 16, 2026 at 06:25:44 PM
        
        Yeah, I know you moved there. Cool spot. * - By crumbs August 16, 2026 at 06:37:15 PM
  - 22-year-old movie. Great film. I like Merlot a lot, but pinot noir more.* - By withnail August 16, 2026 at 06:06:14 PM
  - The worst wine… - By LS&Play August 16, 2026 at 05:52:04 PM
    - Three or four solo cups into the box, and it starts tasting pretty good. * - By Mark II August 16, 2026 at 08:23:02 PM
      - *** - By Mark II August 16, 2026 at 08:23:07 PM
  - Re: “Sideways” put a completely unfair stigma on Merlot that it has still yet to fully overcome in the US - By ameriKa August 16, 2026 at 05:19:38 PM
    - The Paul Giametti character, who is supposed to be a neurotic wine snob who loves Pinot noir, reluctantly agrees to go on a double date but yells “I am NOT drinking any fucking Merlot,” - By WestSideBlue August 16, 2026 at 05:22:13 PM
      - hand raised, I now order Cabernet almost exclusively since that movie even though I know better. I don’t even think about it now. * - By plug August 16, 2026 at 06:06:08 PM
        
        Do you order 50+ dollar bottles? It’s most expensive wine to produce somewhat well* - By harbaughdyssey August 16, 2026 at 07:43:30 PM
      - Ha, nuts. Thanks for the response * - By ameriKa August 16, 2026 at 05:26:43 PM
- Im drinking a white… - By ameriKa August 16, 2026 at 05:14:24 PM

The Victors

“Sideways” put a completely unfair stigma on Merlot that it has still yet to fully overcome in the US