Merlot Homepage

Question: How come i dislike merlot so much?

(Posted by: Johnny S on 2009-07-28 16:29:44)

Is it an aquired taste? I highly dislike the taste, and it is a 2006 bottle, will I have to get an older bottle for it to taste better? I just dont know why it tastes so bad to me.

Posted by: Heather on 2009-07-28, 16:43:16

Well I guess this depend on how sophisticated you pallet is. The more wine you drink (varied varieties) The more you will be able to pick out nice tones in a wine. Try different brands of merlot. Not all merlots are created equal. There are different regions in which wine can be grown. Maybe try a different region. California wines are sweeter I think, mainly because of an abundant source from sunlight which makes the berries sweeter. I gave you a link to find some sweeter red wines. Maybe give some of them a try.

Posted by: Jason L on 2009-07-28, 17:10:35

You might not like merlot, which does not make you a bad person. You may have opened a bad bottle. If air gets into the bottle it vinegars the wine over time. That's why a server will pour a taste for a customer before they serve it. You can tell it's vinegar by smell and if it's starting to vinegar by taste. Ironically, merlot and other reds need to breathe before drinking and need to be opened 10 to 15 minutes before pouring or decanted. Merlot is a light red. It should have a fruity, berry taste with light tannins (acidity). It should be more refreshing than filling and have relatively little after taste. It is also the base wine for many red wine blends especially Bordeaux. Pinot Noir has many of the same characteristics, but a different overall flavour; you might try it. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah/ Shiraz are bolder, full bodied, sometimes even smokey and "heavier ", more filling. Maybe merlot is too "thin " for you. Reds are poured into large glasses to the belly of the glass to maximize air exposure. Your nose should fit in the opening of the glass when you drink from it and you should inhale through your nose when you sip the wine to get the full effect. That's how it's intended to be drunk. You can also try different regions. All merlot comes from cuttings from French vines, but different soil, sunlight conditions and altitude affect the taste of wine. Merlot is grown in France, Italy, South Africa, California, Canada, Australia and Chile. It is a base wine for red blends so if you're in the red wine business, your in the merlot business. You might also not be a red wine person, but a white wine person. That also doesn't make you a bad person. There are dry whites like Riesling and off-dry whites like Orvieto Classico Amarile. It's a matter of personal taste. Not everyone is going to like merlot.

Posted by: Julian on 2009-07-28, 17:17:22

I have to agree, California wines are good for a start. You may have not found a Merlot to your tastes. You may want to try a wine with a meal, to help your pallet get adjusted. There are so many different wines, I am sure with time you will come across one you like. There are plenty of good wines for 10 to 20 dollars and older wines doesnt mean its better.

Posted by: nodunromin on 2009-07-28, 18:24:57

If you don't like it the answer is simple Don "t drink it!