5 Reasons Why Merlot Isn't Popular (and Why It Deserves a Second Look)

Merlot gets a bad rap. Whether it’s unfair comparisons, poor vineyard choices, or even Hollywood interference, this versatile grape just can’t seem to catch a break. So, in true Wined Up Podcast style, let’s break it down with five reasons why Merlot isn’t as popular as it should be. Don’t worry, we’ll keep it fun, relatable, and maybe a little bit controversial!

1. Merlot is Better as a Team Player

Here’s the thing about Merlot – it’s better as a team (or more precisely in a blend). It’s like how well Hamish and Andy perform as a team, or Ren to Stimpy, or even Jason and Trent from The Wined Up Podcast! Merlot is often blended with other grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon to create harmonious, balanced wines.

On its own, Merlot can lack that wow factor, especially in Australia. This is why it often takes a backseat to bolder varietals like Shiraz or Cabernet.

Hamish and Andy Team Players - Merlot is better as a team. — Figure 1: Hamish and Andy, Media Week, https://www.mediaweek.com.au/hamish-andy-come-to-the-hubbl-party-new-device-secures-best-possible-endorsement/, Accessed on 10 June 2025.

2. Poor Site Selection Ruins Everything

Australia’s wine industry might be incredible, but not every grape gets the royal treatment. According to Jim Irvine, the “King of Merlot” from the Barossa Valley, many Australian wineries treat Merlot like Shiraz or Grenache, assuming it will grow anywhere.

Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. Merlot hates wet feet, meaning it needs well-drained soils to thrive. Poor site selection leads to lackluster fruit, and lackluster fruit leads to wines that don’t stand out. If we’re going to make Merlot shine in Australia, it’s time to get picky about where we plant it.

Jim Irvine, the "King of Merlot" says wineries have been growing Merlot in the wrong areas. — Figure 2: Jim Irvine the “King of Merlot”, Barossa Mag, https://www.barossamag.com/barossa-unearthed/jim-irvine-90-glasses-for-the-90-year-old-king-of-merlot/. Accessed on 10 June 2025.

3. Mistaken Identity – Merlot or Cabernet Franc?

Imagine this: you’re excited to meet Will Ferrell, but instead, Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers shows up. Both are awesome, but you were expecting comedy, not a drum solo. That’s what happened with Merlot.

Early plantings of Merlot in Australia turned out to be a case of mistaken identity. What many thought was Merlot was actually Cabernet Franc. While Cab Franc is great in its own right, it’s no wonder people didn’t fall head over heels for what they thought was Merlot. You can’t blame a grape for being misunderstood, right?

Figure 3: Will Ferrell and Chad Smith, Billboard, https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/will-ferrell-chad-smith-host-red-hot-chili-peppers-benefit-drum-off-funny-or-die-7350355/. Accessed on 10 June 2025.

4. The “Sideways Effect”

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the movie Sideways. This 2004 dramedy, about two guys on a wine-tasting road trip, had a seismic impact on wine sales. One of the main characters famously declared, “If anyone orders Merlot, I’m leaving. I am NOT drinking any f**king Merlot!” Those five seconds had a massive impact on Merlot’s sales, especially in the US. While Pinot Noir’s popularity skyrocketed, Merlot’s took a nosedive. Talk about the power of Hollywood.

The Sideways Effect is the impact of the Sideways movie, a 2024 drama where one of the main characters hated merlot. — Figure 4: Sideways, Amazon, https://www.amazon.com.au/Sideways-Paul-Giamatti/dp/B0007TKOAA. Accessed on 10 June 2025.

5. Attack of the Clones (As in Merlot clones)

No, we’re not talking about Star Wars, but poor-quality clones—and not the sci-fi kind. Early Merlot plantings in Australia came from UC Davis in California, not France. These clones (known as D3V14) were decent but far from exceptional. As a result, the wines made from these clones lacked the depth and character that make people fall in love with Merlot. It’s like buying a knock-off handbag—functional, but it doesn’t have that wow factor.

Why Merlot Deserves a Comeback

Alright, we’ve given Merlot a bit of a grilling, but let’s not forget its potential. Winemakers have been working to improve site selection and plant better clones, and some Aussie wineries are producing incredible Merlot that’s worth a try. When done right, Merlot is elegant, versatile, and oh-so-drinkable. It’s the grape that can do it all—blend beautifully, stand alone with grace, and pair with a range of foods.

So, next time you’re browsing the wine aisle, don’t let the “Sideways effect” or mistaken identity drama scare you off. Give Merlot another shot. You might just find yourself falling for this misunderstood grape.

Click here to watch the full episode where The Wined Up Podcast talk in detail about 5 Reasons why Merlot isn’t popular.