Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot: 9 Key Differences & Similarities

Both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are hugely popular red wine grapes and have impressive flavor profiles. 

The two varieties originate from the same parent grape - Cabernet Franc, but they are very different from each other. Cabernet Sauvignon has more savory, robust flavors, Merlot is characterized by softer fruity flavors. 

So, which red wine will suit your palate better?

In this article, we’ll give you a detailed Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot comparison of 9 important factors, including their tasting notes, grape characteristics, and other pros and cons.

Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot: Differences and Similarities

Here are some key differences and similarities you should know of before deciding which red wine to sip on:

1. Tasting Notes 

Cabernet Sauvignon is a highly tannic wine with racy acidity like Zinfandel and distinct herbaceous tasting notes (similar to Cabernet Franc.) 

Merlot has soft tannins, milder acidity, and a light fruity aroma of blueberry, raspberry, plum, and black cherry (similar to Pinot Noir.) It’s also considered one of the best alternatives to Chianti, as both have a delicious ripe fruit flavor.

2. Growing Regions

Both red grape varieties originated in the 15th century in the Bordeaux region of France. However, they thrive in different areas in Bordeaux.

The Cabernet Sauvignon grape is the dominant grape on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, which has well-drained gravelly soils. Limited quantities of other grape varieties like Carmenere, Malbec,  and Petit Verdot are also grown here. 

On the other hand, Merlot is more common in the Right Bank of Bordeaux, which has a mix of clay and limestone soils. 

Both grape varieties are also grown worldwide in: 

• USA (Napa Valley)
• Argentina
• Chile
• South Africa
• Australia
• Italy

3. Grape Characteristics

The Cabernet grapes are small with thick skin and produce a highly tannic wine. The yields of this small-sized grape variety are usually low, making Cabernet Sauvignon more expensive than Merlot.

Merlot, on the other hand, is a bigger-sized grape variety that is dark blue in color. However, it also produces quite low yields since there are fewer vine plantings in the vineyard, placed far apart.

4. Climate

Both grape varieties can acclimatize to cool and hot climatic conditions. The climate determines the overall texture of the red wine.

A Merlot produced in a cooler climate has a fuller body with higher tannin levels and can often be mistaken for Cabernet Sauvignon.

Alternatively, a Cabernet Sauvignon from a warmer climate might have a softer tannin mouthfeel and fruit flavor, similar to Merlot.

5. Winemaking

The Merlot grape is usually harvested two weeks earlier than the Cabernet Sauvignon grape.

Cabernet Sauvignon is aged in oak barrels, which contributes to the delicious, rich taste of the wine. This aging process, conducted by the wine producer, creates a beautiful balance of acidity and oaky flavor in the red wine. 

Merlot wine is aged in oak barrels for a shorter period which lends the wine a fruitier and lighter palate. 

6. Blending

Merlot and Cabernet are often used in making classic red Bordeaux blend wines. 

The fruity flavor and soft tannins of Merlot makes the wine blend smoother while the tannic tones and acidity of Cabernet add more depth. 

While Merlot is an excellent blending grape, it has also been perfected as a single varietal wine in the Bordeaux regions of St. Émilion, Pomerol, and Fronsac.

Similarly, Cabernet is also used in the production of a blend and a varietal wine.

7. Sweetness

Merlot lacks the intense tannin levels and earthiness of Cabernet Sauvignon, so it tends to taste slightly sweeter. However, they’re both dry red wines (with low residual sugar levels). 

8. Food Pairing

Cabernet Sauvignon pairs excellently with heavy meat dishes like beef, steaks, duck, and pheasant. This Bordeaux wine also goes well with grilled mushrooms and seasoned vegetables. 

Merlot wine goes well with tomato-based Italian dishes. You can also enjoy this dry wine alongside roasted chicken, mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese.

9. Serving

Chill your Cabernet at around 60°F (15.56°C) and decant it for about 30-60 minutes before serving.

You can serve Merlot slightly chilled at around 55-60°F (12.7-15.5°C) after at least 20 minutes of decanting.

Cabernet Sauvignon vs. Merlot: Pros and Cons

Both wines comprise a delightful bouquet of flavors and stand out with their distinct tasting notes. 

The pros of Cabernet Sauvignon are: 

• Rich aftertaste
• Savory flavor
• High tannin
• Oaky character

The cons of Cabernet Sauvignon are:

• The best ones are high-priced
• Harsh taste

The pros of Merlot are:

• Fruit flavor (dominant black cherry and red fruit taste)
• Smooth texture
• More affordably priced (since it’s often underrated)

The cons of Merlot are:

• The texture of some of the Merlot wines can come across as bland

So, if you’re looking for a lighter Bordeaux wine with a silky finish, then Merlot is the one for you. 

But if you’re a wine drinker who enjoys high tannin levels in your wine glass, then Cabernet won’t disappoint you.

Looking to add a few bottles to your collection? 

Read on to discover the easiest way to do that.

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Relish a Glass Of Red Wine

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are undoubtedly among the finest reds. You can pair them with a variety of main courses and enjoy them at a warm gathering at your house. 

Check out the Vinovest website if you’re looking for fine red wines with good investment potential. Explore how to easily buy, store, and sell authentic red wines from the Bordeaux region or any part of the world.