What do you know? We love Merlot

Good friends who know how to throw a party hosted a Merlot tasting at their home last night. Great event. We blind-tasted and rated a variety of inexpensive Merlots, all under $20, except the one we brought that cost more but didn't win more raves. (Good perspective in these economic times.) Dinner was elegant deep-dish pizza with salad. Top rated wine among guests was a Ravenswood 2006 Merlot, $9.99 a bottle. I'm off to my favorite outlet, Jacob's Liquors, to pick some up today.

A brilliant Wall Street Journal column inspired our hosts to put the party together and guided them in wine selection. Each guest was asked ahead of time to write a poem about Merlot, and we recited these between sips at the party. Allow me to share:

Merlot - A Tribute
by Nancy

It's for Merlot I write this verse
'Tis both a blessing and a curse,
that the wine gets such bad reputation
when in fact it's cause for celebration.
It's the wine to drink with lamb I'm told,
soft and smooth, not brash and bold.
It's one of few with aroma of grapes
and a hint of floral that escapes...
Blackberries, blue, eucalyptus and dill,
this wine's got nose that demands refill.
Merlot's oft mentioned as jammy and plummy,
and with low tannin content, it tickles the tummy.
Grapes are suited to regions warm and bucolic,
but don't buy from France, wine's less alcohlic.
So to all who will hear me, I'll lay on the line...
"Hail thee, Merlot, you're an excellent wine."
________________________________

Merlot
by Angela

I think that I shall never know
A grape as lovely as merlot.

In the "Sideways" movie, you were defamed.
Paul Giamatti should be ashamed.

You're not as rich as Cabernet
But you give Bordeaux its bouquet.
You're not as fruity as zinfandel
But paired with chocolate, you excel.

Some people call you overripe.
I say don't believe the hype.
Your hints of berry make me merry.
At the taste of plum, I start to hum.

So my merlot, do not go, gentle into that good night.
But stay and play and guide me with your ultraviolet light.

_________________________________________

To a Modest Merlot
by Dave Knadler

I think that I shall never know
A wine so useful as merlot,
A modest grape that won't offend
When crowds of people must attend.

Though other wines may have more fame,
Its alcohol is much the same.
It's not too heady, nor too light,
And usually the price is right.

Although we gather just to taste,
To spit it out would be a waste
And though it's just a tiny pour,
It's never wrong to have some more.

But so that you will not seem dumb,
Pretend to note "a hint of plum"
And give your lips a thoughtful purse
Allowing that you've tasted worse.
________________________

And here's what I wrote:

Tasting notes

Friends,
let us vow to be
for one another
what we know we can expect
from a bottle of good Merlot,
to be uncorked and spirited,
straightforward,
true.
Unpredictable,
not jarring,
serious, not dour,
engagingly dry
and not too sweet.
Never sour.
Never cold.
At the ready
for an elegant supper,
a joyful toast,
or quiet conversation
any time.
Generous.
Inviting.
Unpretentious.
Memorable.
Good for the heart.

___________________

Our host e-mailed us these words of wisdom this morning:

A Belated Poem about Merlot
By David K.

If you want to make your friendships grow
invite your friends to taste Merlot
For some, it's the lowliest grape
But its wonder is hard to escape
Tobacco and currant are mixed with smiles
Nancy's stories, Dana's wiles
Tannin, plum, laughter, cheer
The goodness of friends is all in here.
So raise your glass and give a toast
to our friends - the ones who matter most.