Merlot vs Cabernet Sauvignon Wine: A Complete Guide
By Hannah Healy
Updated July 10, 2024
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When people ask for a smooth wine, they want Merlot (mer-LOW). It’s soft, with fruit flavors, gentle spice, and an all-around gentle feel. On the other hand, Cabernet Sauvignon (ka-ber-nay SOH-vin-yohn) is a complex grape that takes some skill to handle. It’s got high acidity and lots of tannins, giving it great aging potential. Its fruit flavors are often balanced by herbal, “green” notes, which some people love and others don’t.
Do you want something smooth and easy or bold and exciting? Knowing the difference between Merlot vs Cabernet Sauvignon lets you pick the perfect wine for any occasion! Cheers!
How Many Grape Varieties Are There?
There are reportedly 10,000 different types of wine grapes! That’s a huge number, with grape varietals ranging from sweet to tart and colors from red to white, even pink. However, only a few dozen are commonly used in commercial wine production.
According to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), just 33 grape varieties make up 50% of the world’s vineyards, with the cabernet sauvignon grape being one of the most cultivated. Most winemakers mix different grapes to create unique flavors.
The Most Widely Cultivated Wine Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are two of the world’s most popular red wines. Cabernet Sauvignon grape vines cover over 840,000 acres, while Merlot covers 657,300 acres globally. Below are the most common grapes used for winemaking.
- Airén
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Chardonnay
- Garnacha (or Grenache)
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Syrah (also known as Shiraz)
- Tempranillo
- Trebbiano Toscano
Merlot And Cabernet Sauvignon Origins
Although the flavor and texture of these two popular red wines may differ, their origin is closer than many might think!
The History of Merlot
Back in the 18th century, a French official first mentioned “Merlau” in his notes about the best wines. The grape got its name from a little blackbird called “merlau” in a local French dialect, known for snacking on grapes. Tests reveal that Merlot descends from Cabernet Franc and is a half-sibling to Carmenere, Malbec, and, guess what else? Cabernet Sauvignon!
The History of Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is like the grape child of a secret French romance between the red grape Cabernet Franc and the white grape Sauvignon Blanc. In the 17th century, these two grapes “accidentally” crossed, creating Cabernet Sauvignon. But shhh, let’s not tell Cab Sauv it was an accident!
Merlot And Cabernet Sauvignon Cultivation
Did you know Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon age differently and have rich flavors that change based on where they’re grown?
The Bordeaux region of France grows about two-thirds of the world’s Merlot, followed by Italy (Tuscany, Veneto), the US (California, Washington), Spain, Romania, and Chile. Merlot often grows near Cabernet Sauvignon but usually in cooler spots to prevent early ripening.
Merlot Growing Conditions
Merlot grows best in deep, sandy loam or well-drained soils with good moisture. It’s sensitive to cool weather during bloom, which can affect fruit production.
The vines can accumulate high nitrogen levels during cool weather, so careful fertilization is key. Using resistant rootstocks can help prevent issues. Merlot is also sensitive to soil problems like zinc deficiency, salinity, and overly wet conditions.
Merlot grapes are usually harvested about two weeks earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
Cabernet Sauvignon Growing Conditions
Cabernet grapes love warmer climates to cool, dry areas with a bit of maritime influence. Lots of sunshine and the right soil are essential.
These vines can produce a lot of fruit, but there’s a risk of overcropping. To ensure good yields, viticulturists often irrigate the vines during dry spells.
Grape Appearance
The Color, Size, and Shape of the Grapes: When it comes to grape sizes and colors, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon have distinct characteristics.
- Merlot grapes come in loose bunches with large berries. They’re known for their dark blue color, thinner skin, and less pronounced blue/black hue compared to Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are small and round with thick, deep purple skin. These grapes produce deeply colored and tannic red wines. Their skin is notably thick and rich in bloom, giving them a distinctive appearance.
Clusters and Leaves: Whether you’re admiring the fall colors of Merlot or the distinctive shape of Cabernet Sauvignon clusters, there’s plenty to appreciate about these grapes!
- Merlot grapes come in large clusters that turn reddish-purple in the fall. As the weather cools, their leaves shift from dark green to beautiful shades of golden yellow, orange, and red.
- In contrast, Cabernet Sauvignon clusters are much smaller and compact, with a cylindrical-pyramidal shape, and are often winged. The leaves have a unique look: the top side is dark green, smooth, and slightly bulging, while the underside is lighter green with a spider web-like texture. They have pronounced, irregular teeth, and the petiole (the stem connecting the leaf to the vine) is medium-length and green.
Key Wine Regions
Merlot, the star of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, has made its mark around the globe. You’ll find it in:
- France (Bordeaux)
- Italy (Friuli, Veneto)
- USA (California)
- Chile (Colchagua)
Cabernet Sauvignon is a true globetrotter and one of the most widely planted grapes in the world. Its Bordeaux origins and great marketing helped it spread quickly. It thrives in:
- France (especially the “Left Bank” of Bordeaux), often blended with Merlot
- Chile
- USA (notably in Napa Valley, where it’s a “Cult bottle”)
- Australia (with a unique menthol note from eucalyptus trees)
- Italy (in Super Tuscan blends)
- South Africa (Paarl and Stellenbosch)
Merlot vs Cabernet Sauvignon: Flavor and Texture
What are the flavor differences between Merlot and Cabernet? Each wine has its own unique characteristics.
What Does Merlot Taste Like?
Merlot’s smooth texture gives it a rich, fruity flavor, almost like plum or fruitcake. It’s easygoing compared to its bold sibling, Cabernet Sauvignon.
Depending on where it’s grown, Merlot can have hints of grassiness and bell pepper in cooler climates, but when fully ripe, it bursts with flavors like black cherry, blackberry, blueberry, and even chocolate sweetness and spice.
What Does Cabernet Sauvignon Taste Like?
Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied and packs a punch with dark fruits like blueberry and blackberry, along with herbal and grassy notes. It’s also known for its high tannin levels—a dry, fuzzy feeling in your mouth that red wine lovers adore.
Cabernet Sauvignon loves oak, too, picking up extra flavors like vanilla and spice. In warmer areas, it’s jammy with rich, dark fruit flavors, while cooler regions bring out its herbal side.
Which Is Better: Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon?
Not surprisingly, selecting between Merlot and Cabernet really comes down to personal preference. It depends on what you’re looking for in your glass of wine. One may be better for dinner, while the other might accompany a cheese plate better.
When to Pick a Merlot
If you’re new to the world of wine or prefer fruity flavors, juicy and lighter reds, Merlot wine is a great choice.
It pairs well with various foods (BBQ, roast chicken, mushrooms, plum sauce), making it perfect for potlucks. A bottle of Merlot is a great option for drinking outside on a hot day. Since many Merlots are grown in the US, they’re often more budget-friendly if you live in North America.
When to Pick a Cabernet Sauvignon
If you don’t like sweet wines and prefer to savor a glass on its own, go for Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
This wine is perfect for fans of dry Oregon chardonnays, Australian shiraz, or tempranillo, as well as those who enjoy high-tannin, heavier wines with long finishes.
A bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon is ideal for drinking indoors in a cooler climate or on winter evenings. It’s a great option if you want to experiment with higher-aged or oakier wines. When it comes to food pairings, Cabernet Sauvignon goes great with any red meat. Wine drinkers enjoy it with grilled steak, lamb, peppercorn, hearty soups, roast vegetables, curries, and aged cheeses!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
Does Merlot Have More Sugar Than Cabernet?
If we’re strictly talking about the sugar content in the wine, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon will not differ much, as they have about the same residual sugar content. Both wines have about 0.9 grams of sugar per five-ounce pour. The wine fermentation process turns most of the grape juice sugars into alcohol, so there isn’t a large amount of sugar left afterward.
Some people may get confused about wine and sugar because of the myth that wine becomes sugar in your body after you process it. While this myth isn’t true, it can affect blood sugar and hunger levels. Initially, alcohol can raise blood sugar slightly, but then it causes it to drop after processing, which can lead to increased hunger or sugar and carbohydrate cravings.
Is Merlot or Cabernet Sweeter Tasting?
Because of Cabernet’s higher tannin levels, it tends to taste slightly bitter when compared to Merlot. The smooth palate and fruity flavors of Merlot give it a sweeter flavor.
Which is Drier: Cabernet or Merlot?
Cabernet is typically a dry wine in that the flavor profile isn’t as sweet as Merlot. However, they have virtually the same sugar content, so the dry taste has more to do with Cabernet’s high tannins, which gives it a more sour mouth feel than Merlot’s jammy profile.
Why Blend Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon?
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are a dynamic duo in the wine world. They mix together so well that their combined flavors create something truly special. Merlot adds smoothness and richness to the wine, making it less harsh and more rounded, while Cabernet Sauvignon brings a bold structure and depth. Both grapes age beautifully with oak barrels, developing complex flavors and aromas.
Expect to smell and taste a mix of black and red fruits, like blackberry and plum, along with hints of bell pepper and oak. You might also notice flavors of cedar, vanilla, and tobacco from the oak.
There’s no winner in this grape battle—just pick what you like best according to your taste preferences, and enjoy every sip! Cheers to discovering your favorite!
