Watch Merlove

Merlove is a documentary film released in 2008 directed by Rudy McClain, and it explores the world of wine-making and the love for the most prominent grape variety used to make wine which is Merlot. The film takes a deep dive into the history of Merlot grape and explores its importance in the wine-making industry. The narrative is well-crafted to take the viewer on a journey along with the director to understand the characteristics and qualities of Merlot that make it so unique.

The film centers around a quest of a group of Merlot aficionados trying to find the perfect Merlot. The group is headed by Jim Dyke, a well-known wine collector and an advocate for Merlot. He travels to different wine-producing regions across the globe, including Italy, France, the United States, and more, to interview wine experts, winemakers, and vineyard owners, all of whom have some sort of relationship with Merlot.

Throughout the journey, the viewer is exposed to various anecdotes about Merlot, including why it has become a preferred grape variety for winemakers, the history behind its cultivation, and the social impact that Merlot has had on people.

The film also dives into the issue of historical snobbery that Merlot faced in the early 2000s due to the movie Sideways. In the movie, the main character, a wine enthusiast, infamously declared his hatred for Merlot, and this had a significant impact on the popularity of Merlot. Winemakers who previously depended on Merlot had to reduce their production, and some even uprooted their vineyards altogether.

The film also touches on other wine issues, such as the adverse effects of climate change on wine production, and how winemakers have had to evolve their practices in response to changing weather patterns.

The movie is narrated by several big names in wine production, including Christian Mouiex, the owner of Chateau Petrus in Pomerol, France. He talks about how Merlot thrives in clay soils and how it's unique flavor profile makes it the backbone of Bordeaux blends.

The film also features interviews with wine critics, such as Jancis Robinson, who is widely considered to be one of the most influential wine critics in the world today. Robinson talks about how she believes Merlot has been subjected to snobbery over the years and how she still enjoys a well-made Merlot.

The director, Rudy McClain, has done an excellent job of capturing the beauty of the regions where Merlot is grown. The views of vineyards in Tuscany or the picturesque views of the Bordeaux region are breathtaking, and it takes the audience on a journey through history, culture, and the art of wine-making.

The documentary is entertaining, informative, and emotional. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in wine, and it challenges the assumptions that most people have about Merlot. The film shows how Merlot has managed to survive and thrive despite the challenges it faced, and it shines a light on the work of the winemakers and vineyard owners who have dedicated their lives to producing quality wines.

In summary, Merlove is an excellent film that highlights the importance of Merlot in the wine-making industry. It is a compelling documentary that features interviews with prominent wine figures, breathtaking views of iconic wine regions, and an engaging narrative that keeps the audience hooked. Whether one is a wine enthusiast or not, Merlove is a film that is sure to entertain and inform.