This Highway 12 merlot will have you racing back for more | Phil Your Glass

October will be the 20-year anniversary of the release of the movie Sideways. In that oenophile flick, actor Paul Giamatti voiced his disdain for the merlot grape, which has left a bad taste lingering with wine drinkers to this day.

Merlot, one of the most misunderstood and underappreciated grape varietals, is used to make some of the most expensive wines in the world. Chateau Pétrus from France and Masseto from Italy are two of the top merlot wines in the world that average over $1,000 a bottle. This grape is extremely food friendly as well.

I sampled five Highway 12 wines at Wise Guy’s Lounge & Grill with co-founder and President Paul Giusto. They were all under $23 and overdelivered for the price.

The $19.99 Sonoma merlot really got my attention. Had these grapes come from the other side of the Mayacamas Mountains in the neighboring Napa Valley, the price of this bottle would’ve been closer to $45.

The sage cheese on our charcuterie board was a pretty tasty nibble to have while we sampled the wine. Point Reyes blue cheese, short ribs and steak are a few of Giusto's favorites with this Bordeaux varietal. You'll certainly love the silky texture and the flavors of black cherry and chocolate-covered raspberries that are in this wine.

My home test kitchen happened to be closed when I did the research for this article, so I picked up a carryout pepperoni and mushroom pizza from Lucci’s Place in Kent. That's one of my favorite pies in town. I sure miss their former Cuyahoga Falls location on State Road.

A carryout order of short rib sliders from Moe’s in Cuyahoga Falls will also be fab with this merlot. Just saying, in case your kitchen is also closed after you purchase this wine.

I’m a big fan of mimolette cheese and found it to be quite nice with this merlot as well.

I love when the wine pairs just as well with the main dish as it does with the dessert. A few Mitica Chocodates and a glass of this merlot was a splendid way to end the meal and the evening. I found a box of these lovely hand-dipped dark chocolate dates from Valencia, Spain at the Heinen's in Hudson.

You can find this wine at Crave in downtown Akron, Mustard Seed Market in Montrose, Beau’s Market in Copley, Cornerstone Market in Munroe Falls, Krieger’s Market in Cuyahoga Falls and Meyers Lake Beverage in Canton.

Send me an email at [email protected] with any wine questions and follow me on Instagram @pmasturzo_philyourglass

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This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Highway 12 is an affordable merlot that doesn't fall flat