Merlot (mer loh) is often dismissed as a second rate Cabernet Sauvignon, but not only is Merlot delicious on its own, it is often used as a blending grape to make some fantastic wines.
Merlot is the most commonly grown grape in France and it helped put the Washington State wine industry on the map.
If you've dismissed Merlot in the past, do yourself a favor and give it a second chance.