Cabernet Sauvignon Vs Merlot: Flagship Grapes Of Bordeaux
The best known expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the worldwide popular red wines of Bordeaux. Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship grape of the Left Bank of Bordeaux. It is often blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot to produce a full-bodied red wine with aromas of blackcurrants, tobacco and cedar.
Meanwhile, Merlot reigns as king of the Right Bank of the Gironde. It is produced as a varietal wine or is blended with other red grapes to produce a smooth red wine with black cherry and black plum fruit flavors, along with earthy nuances.
What Are The Differences Between These Two Wines
While many people will say that Cabernet Sauvignon is their favorite wine, others prefer Merlotâ A big difference in taste and aroma is the type of grape used for each type of wine.
Cabernet Sauvignon wines are usually made with a blend of grapes, but Merlot-wines are always made with only Merlot-grapes. This makes Cabernet Sauvignon wines richer in tannins and more powerful than Merlot-wines.
The major differences in the taste and taste of these two wines are influenced by the composition of the grapes used in the production. Cabernet Sauvignon is made mainly from Cabernet grapes, while Merlot is made of mainly Merlot-grapes.
With this in mind, the main difference is the level of tannins, which are found in Cabernet Sauvignonâ These wines also differ in their notes of blackcurrant, blackberry and black pepper. The alcohol content of these wines is remarkably different. Cabernet Sauvignon has a higher alcohol percentage than Merlot.
What Is The Difference Between Merlot Vs Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is full, rich, and robust. Merlot is a more delicate red wine. While theyre both dry wines, Merlot can taste sweeter because of its flavor profile. Its a very fruity wine with a smooth finish, whereas Cabernet Sauvignon is more savory and has a long finish.
Merlot is usually a less expensive choice than Cabernet Sauvignon and, in general, not as widely respected. But that doesnt mean Merlot is any less delicious than Cabernet. All wines have some differencessometimes big, sometimes smallwhen grown in different regions of the world. But Merlot, in particular, has a traditional style and an international style. The traditional style is more acidic, with a lower level of tannins and less alcohol. In addition, its more of a medium-bodied wine than the international style, which is medium to full-bodied.
Both are French wines, but the first mention of Merlot was around the late 1700s, and Cabernet is a little older, with our records dating it back to the 1600s.
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Cabernet Sauvignon Vs Merlot: Wine And Food Pairing
The difference between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines is reflected in the food and wine pairings that are most popular with each variety. The dense tannins and redcurrant, red cherry, mocha and tobacco flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon will allow this wine to pair nicely with rich and flavorful dishes. Try beef steak, a classic hamburger or grilled sausages. When choosing food pairings, go for bold dishes that will not be overpowered by the wine.
The smoother tannins, lighter body and subtler aromas of Merlot will allow this wine to pair with a wider range of dishes than Cabernet. In general, fewer foods will be overpowered by Merlot. Classic Merlot wine food pairings include tomato-based pizza and pasta dishes, roasted chicken or braised meat. Cooler climate Merlot wines with an earthy flavor profile will also go nicely with mushroom-based dishes or even some bolder fish dishes.
What Foods Pair Best With Merlot
One reason people love Merlot is its versatility, thanks to the range of styles and prices on the market. Fruity, easy-drinking Merlot goes great with white and dark meats from chicken, turkey and pork, as well as weeknight pasta, burgers, and pizza. Fuller-bodied, ripe and fleshy styles, often with higher alcohol, can handle fuller-flavored foods such as beef and lamb, hearty bean dishes, and game meats like venison and bison. Classic, savory styles such as right bank Merlot from Bordeaux go well with roasted meats, duck, and mushrooms. The key is to match the wines weight and flavor intensity with the weight and flavor intensity of the dish.
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Merlot Compared To Cabernet Sauvignon: How To Pick Between And Differentiate The Two
Cabernet sauvignon and merlot can be confusing given their shared lineage and some congruent characteristics. To complicate matters, both comprise the signature base of Bordeaux blends, a popular red wine mixture that aims to highlight the best of both these varietals.
Whats the real difference between merlot and cabernet sauvignon and how do you know which to pick for a particular meal, event or nightcap? Find out once and for all with this merlot/cabernet sauvignon comparison.
Merlot Vs Cabernet Sauvignon Comparing The Two Popular Red Wines
Merlot vs Cabernet Sauvignon is a common comparison made in wine journeys. These bold and flavorful red wines couldnt be more different.
Sorting out your red wines is daunting when youre starting out. Even more, experienced wine drinkers can get overwhelmed by all the varieties and origins on display.
Merlot is generally favored as both a starter wine and the main squeeze, while Cabernet Sauvignon soars in food pairings and cooking.
Well take a look at Merlot vs Cabernet Sauvignon, what makes them distinct, and which one you should try.
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Choosing The Better Red Wine
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the two grapes were derived and originally produced in the same region, resulting in many similarities. Many people who are not wine lovers or do not regularly drink wine can find it hard to tell the difference between the two most popular red wines, but when taken a closer look, the differences are blatant and even scientific at times.
The soil plays a huge role in the flavor and production of any wine in which the grapes are grown. Produced in the Napa Valley region, a Cabernet Sauvignon is known to have tasting notes of tobacco, blackberry, and graphite.
The differences between the two wines that are easiest to notice as well as understand include body and dryness. Though both the wines are dry, the Merlot is easier to drink and pair with wide variety of foods owing to a sweeter tint to it. Whereas, the Cabernet Sauvignon is bolder and dryer and is paired with more decadent foods, like ribs and steak.
I hope it helps you to choose the right and better wine among the battle of reds for your party.
About the Author
Princy A. J
Princy holds a bachelors degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.
Merlot Vs Cabernet Sauvignon
It can be hard to tell the difference between Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon if youre not looking at the label. They have a lot in common and theyre the two most popular red wines in the United States. However, if youre having a hard time deciding between the two, there are some things to keep in mind.
Merlot has a softer flavor, thanks to its fruit-forward taste, fewer tannins, and lower acidity. Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and robust. It can be slightly harder to drink for those who dont typically drink red wine or dont prefer the sharp taste of dry wine. While both wines are technically dry, Merlot is more balanced and easier to drink.
Heres a quick reference guide for choosing between Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon:
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Why Is Merlot Hated
Wine tastes evolve over time, but the simple answer relates to the 2004 movie Sideways. In that movie, Miles played by Paul Giamatti , is known for his strong wine opinions, including hating Merlot and loving Pinot Noir. Alas, few people seem to forget how much the movie praises pinot noir.
Here is one of the famous anti-Merlot quotes from Sideways:
Jack : If they want to drink Merlot, were drinking Merlot.
Miles Raymond : No, if anyone orders Merlot, Im leaving. I am NOT drinking any f*cking Merlot!
In reality, hating Merlot as a wine grape doesnt make a lot of sense. There are many ways to make Merlot. It is fine to dislike a particular vintage or producer. But an entire grape variety that is made across the world? That doesnt add up.
If you dont happen to like Merlot from California, dont give up! Instead, join me on my wine quest to taste the best wines of France . For example, Merlot is often the dominant grape used in some of the best Bordeaux red wines. In reality, Merlot can be a crowd pleaser that is likely to appeal to a wide variety of people, including your seasoned wine drinker friend.
Which One Is Sweeter Or Drier Than The Other
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are fairly close in dryness, with Merlot sometimes ending up a little sweeter. Neither is considered a sweet wine. Wines with more alcohol tend to have a richer, bolder taste and taste less sweet.
Cabernet is a great wine to drink alone. However, Merlot is best paired with food, and in this case, you can pair it with something to emphasize its sweetness, like caramelized veggies.
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Cabernet Sauvignon Vs Merlot: Which Will Be Your Pick
Both of these red wines hold a special place in the hearts of many winemakers and enthusiasts. Although these grapes have similar origins, their characteristics allow them to truly stand apart and yet earn the names of great Bordeaux wines.
If you are looking for a more robust and powerful red wine at great value, we recommend the Kingston Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019. This full-bodied wine from Australias Limestone Coast offers the telltale black fruit flavours of a good Cabernet. Upon tasting expect fine but full tannins with notes of ripe blackberry, blackcurrant, vanilla and warm spices.
For a Merlot, we recommend the Terre Gaie Me.Mo Rosso 2019, a beautifully expressive blended Merlot from the Veneto region in Italy. This red wine is dynamic with classic fruit-forward red fruit notes that make this wine easy to drink and versatile.
Color And Appearance Of These Wines
Weve touched a little on the color and appearance of these wine grapes. But lets talk about the wine itself!
Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon wine have distinct color and transparency differences.
How can you tell the difference between them in a glass? Pinot Noir has the lightest color and creates a nearly transparent look. Compared to the other two wines, it should have a more straightforward overall look in your glass, and likely doesnt cause much confusion in its taste profiles.
That said, it is nowhere near as dark as Cabernet, which looks a bit like a melted ruby floating in your glass. The overall texture should be more profound and more straightforward, as well.
Consistency will vary quite heavily between each of these wines.
Pinot rims will have a nearly watery texture that is hard to mistake. By contrast, the Cabernet Sauvignon will have a rich purple rim deeper than Merlot. Some Merlots, however, may have an orange hue when hit just right by the sun.
These superficial differences help to make them easier to tell apart when drinking.
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Merlot Goes Well With Many Italian Dishes
If you are looking for a wine that goes well with Italian dishes, Merlot is a great choice. This smooth, fruity red is low in tannin, and its soft flavor pairs well with tomato-based dishes. Merlot is the perfect choice for rich pasta dishes such as lasagna, though it may not be the right match for creamy pasta.
Merlot is a fruit forward wine with fruity aromas and flavors, and dominate flavors of plum and chocolate. It has a medium to full body, so it goes well with heartier dishes, like stews and roasted chicken. Because it has a low acidity level, it goes well with many fruit-based dishes, such as fruit-based sauces.
Merlot is one of the worlds most widely planted grapes, and is the second-most popular grape after Cabernet Sauvignon. Its also less tannic than its cousin, Cabernet Sauvignon, making it an ideal wine pairing partner. Merlot also goes well with many Italian dishes, but avoid extremes.
Wine enthusiasts can learn how to pair it with many types of dishes, from pizza to pasta to burgers. For more information about wine pairings, try Wine Folly: Magnum Edition.
Pairing Merlot With Food
Merlot is the chameleon of wines. It pairs well with a variety of foods, which makes it popular because its an easy choice. Perhaps thats why its been snubbed by people who prefer to put a little bit more work into their wine and food pairings.
Merlots oaky foundation pairs well with savory foods like steak and potatoes, but its sweet, fruity notes make it a great wine to drink with dessert. Thick French vanilla ice cream topped with Merlot is a rich treat. It also makes a great companion to comfort foods like macaroni and cheese or to your favorite spicy dish.
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Cabernet Sauvignon Vs Merlot: Winemaking Considerations
The winemaking techniques used to produce Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot dry wines vary from region to region and from producer to producer. However, some generalizations can be made. Merlot is typically harvested around two weeks earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon. This is because while thick-skinned Cabernet needs time under the sun for its dense tannins to ripen, Merlot can become overripe and flabby with too much hang-time. Merlot can quickly lose acidity if harvested too late, leading to an overall lack of structure.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are both great candidates for oak aging. However, Cabernet tends to be aged for a longer period in oak barrels, which impart aromas of toast, cedar and tobacco to the wine. Shorter-aged Merlot tends to be fruitier in style.
What Is Similar About Merlot And Cabernet Sauvignon
These wines were first produced in the same region of France. They are still massively popular there, with hundreds of thousands of acres dedicated to growing their grapes. The wines are incredibly different in flavor, but their percentage of alcohol is about the same, along with their dryness. They are also popular wines to use in wine blends because their flavors compliment others.
Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are some of the best wines to age in oak. Aging these wines in oak intensifies their flavors and adds complexity. Both wines can take on flavors like vanilla, butter, toffee, and tea when aged in oak barrels.
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Which Is Sweeter: Cabernet Vs Merlot
Both of these wines are generally made as dry wines, so the differences are relatively subtle. That said, winemakers typically make Merlot with a sweeter flavor profile. In contrast, a glass of cabernet sauvignon will leave you with a drying sensation because it usually has more tannins.
Putting aside the impact of tannins, the sugar level in Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon can be the same. If you are looking for a sweet wine instead of a dry wine, take a closer look at the wine label or look up the wine online.
Generally speaking, dry wine has 1-10 g/l of residual sugar, while sweet wine has a residual sugar level of 35-120 g/l.
Bottom line: the grape variety doesnt tell you that much about the sweetness level. You need to take a closer look at how the wine is made and the residual sugar level.
Cabernet Sauvignon Vs Merlot: A Bit Of History
First things first, the origins. Merlot and Cabernet both come from the Bordeaux region of France. DNA evidence has shown Cabernet Sauvignon to be the offspring of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. This grape is believed to have been born from an accidentally crossing that took place in the 17th century.
Meanwhile, Merlot comes from a crossing between Cabernet Franc and an obscure red variety named Magdeleine Noire des Charentes. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are therefore essentially half-brothers.
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Cabernet Sauvignon Vs Merlot: Which Should You Pick For Your Wine Tasting
So which one of these wines should you choose for your wine tasting? That depends! If youre looking for a rich, full-bodied red wine with bright red fruit and savory flavors, high tannin, an oaky touch and a long finish, Cabernet Sauvignon is the right choice for you. This wine can be expensive, but they make for fantastic wine gifts. And although it can overpower subtler food pairings, Cabernet Sauvignon will go well with boldly flavored meat dishes and will drink quite nicely well on its own.
If you seek a fruit-forward wine with plush aromas of cherries and plums, with some earthy nuances, less tannin and a smooth finish, Merlot might be right for you. Although some Merlot can lack structure and elegance, these wines tend to pair easily with food. They also tend to be more approachable in their youth than most Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
The Origin Of Cabernet Sauvignon
One of the first varieties the average wine drinker thinks about when hearing red wine is Cabernet Sauvignon. With a powerful flavor and flexible food pairings, its not hard to see why.
While Merlot has more concrete origins, Cabernet Sauvignon remains a mystery for todays wine aficionados. There are musings among historians that this grape couldve existed in ancient societies, while other theories suggest this grape has origins somewhere in the 1700s.
Much of the modern research we enjoy on this grapes mutations cropped up around the 1960s.
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