Merlot - The Beginner's Wine

Being a beginner in the world of wine, I recently took a quiz online called 'What Type of Wine are You?' at Quizilla.com. I was so amused by my answer that it inspired me to write about what being a beginner in the wine world is like. There are so many labels, so many varieties, so many price ranges, and so many years. How do you choose the best wine for you? This question is not answered easily...

When I first started to drink wine a few years ago, I tasted a little here and a little there, but I had quickly assumed that all wines were created equal. They were all dry, they were all bitter, and they were all out of my league. But, with time, I tasted a little more, asked questions, and read many labels. I even rented a DVD called John Cleese's Wine for the Confused. After learning the basics, what to expect different varieties to taste like, how different wines pair up with meals, and how the grapes are grown, I started to feel a little more confidant in buying wine, and ordering it from a restaurant menu. But there has always been a wine that tried and true, can be trusted in most any setting. And that of course would be Merlot.

According to my quiz results at Quizilla.com, Merlot is compared to a person as being "friendly and approachable". I find this to be true both about myself, and about Merlot. Merlot is typically medium red in color, and is usually light and fruity. It's a very smooth wine, and can go just as well with steak and potatoes as it does with a light Greek salad. I also like to think a glass of Merlot goes well with a slice of cheese cake after a long day or as a romantic desert for two. There are so many appropriate ways to mix and mingle with Merlot, that it truly can be considered 'The Beginners Wine'.

I am not here today to tell you which label of Merlot to buy for two reasons. One, we all have our own taste when it comes to wine, and two, because our budgets will vary from person to person. But, I can share with you some tips I learned from John Cleese's Wine for the Confused video. First, know that all wines are not created equal. Know that your taste in wine may vary completely from that of someone sitting next to you. Second, know that price does not always equal good taste, thus going back to tip number one, everyone has different taste when it comes to wine. But, don't let this discourage you. Start reading labels. Be it for Merlot or any other wine for that matter. Nine times out of ten there will be a description on the back of a wine bottle describing the taste of the wine. If you know you typically like fruity flavored wines, try something that has those traits. If you think you want to try something a little oakier, go for that instead. Those tips alone should be enough to get you started on the road of finding a good Merlot, but I leave you with one last thing. Step outside the box once in a while. Once you've built up a taste for Merlot, try one that has a little different characteristic than what you've liked in the past, or better yet, try another red wine all together. Wine tasting and being in the know can be a very fun part of your lifestyle, as long as you drink safe and be smart. So enjoy, and Cheers to you and yours!