By Matt Check, a certified sommelier and winemaker at Cellar Beast Winehouse, with over 10 years of experience in crafting premium wines.
Which red wine reigns supreme—Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot? If you’re torn between these classics, this guide will help you choose your perfect pour!
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are tough choices; each is an amazing red wine that shares a common parent in Cabernet Franc, but each grape has something unique to bring to the glass. Not all wines are created equal, and each pairs differently with various foods and occasions. So let's dive in and analyze the critical differences between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, shall we, and determine what's right for your taste-and why Cellar Beast wines may be your perfect fit.
Critical Differences Between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
1. Flavor Profiles
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Full-bodied and bold, Cabernet Sauvignon usually presents flavors of deep, dark fruits such as blackcurrant, blackberry, and black cherry, with herbaceous notes of green pepper, cedar, and spice. These age into the complex flavors of tobacco, leather, and earth, with rich textural elements.
- Merlot: By contrast, Merlot is softer and more approachable. Flavors of plum, raspberry, and ripe strawberry are prominent in Merlot, with faint suggestions of chocolate or vanilla that result from oak maturation. It has a rounded, smooth body compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, making it a very drinkable wine.
2. Tannin and Structure
- Cabernet Sauvignon: With Cabernet Sauvignon, the tannins are firm, and it has a robustly built tannin structure. These wines are for aging, and their tannins give the wine a full-bodied nature with a strong, persistent mouthfeel-suited for rich foods and cellar laying.
- Merlot: This grape has softer tannins and an elegant mouthfeel, usually less intense than Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot, therefore, can be excellent for those who find Cabernet Sauvignon too intense and would prefer a smoother red wine, approachable in its youth.
3. Body and Acidity
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Full-bodied with relatively high acidity, the crispness in Cabernet Sauvignon balances the richness of its fruit flavor and tannins; hence, it is well fitted for rich dishes such as steak or lamb.
- Merlot: Merlot is medium to full-bodied but has a good deal less acidity. This presents a smooth experience and can go well with not-so-heavy foods like roasted chicken or vegetables.
4. Aging Potential
- Cabernet Sauvignon: With a tannic structure along with acidity, Cabernet Sauvignon is ideal for long-time ageing. It would develop with time, deepening into complex flavors that would include dried fruits, leather, and tobacco.
- Merlot: Although Merlot can age well, many are designed for early consumption due to their soft tannins and fruit-forward profile. A few examples from the best places can gain in complexity with age.
Which Wine Suits Your Taste?
Choose Cabernet Sauvignon If You Like:
- A bold, richly complex wine with plenty of tannins and a structured character.
- Flavors of blackberry, blackcurrant, roasted spices, and a savory edge.
- A wine which would evolve with time and which isn't bad at aging well.
| Try our award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon – perfect for rich, bold flavors
You'll want to go for Merlot if you like:
- Velvety, soft wine with silky tannins and smooth, creamy texture.
- Flavors of fresh fruits plum, raspberry, and black cherry; chocolate.
- A wine that is enjoyable straight from the bottle, perfect for any occasion.
| Try our Merlot 2022 – a sophisticated and versatile Merlot.
What are Bordeaux blends?
In the skillful art of fine winemaking, Bordeaux blends are a well-put-together mix of grapes, often Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, blended with Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec to name some. There is unity in the wine that offers everything from a full gamut of elegance and depth to aging abilities.
- Left Bank (Cabernet Sauvignon-Dominant)
Wines from this region, including those from Médoc and Pauillac, have a full tannic frame alongside a concentrated fruit flavor profile. Full-bodied, these wines exude notes of cedar, graphite, and earthy notes and are suited for long aging. - Right Bank (Merlot-Dominant)
The Right Bank includes regions such as Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, which produce Merlot-dominant wines with a softer and rounder palate. Usually more approachable and fruit-friendly, they generally show plum, blackberry, and chocolate notes, with some able to age into complex wines.
At Cellar Beast Winehouse, our Grand Mélange is crafted in the style of Right Bank Bordeaux, focusing on Merlot. Silky and elegant, this wine epitomizes the sumptuous character of Right Bank Bordeaux wines.
Why Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Midnight Archer, and Grand Mélange Wines by Cellar Beast Are Worth Trying
- Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve: The best of this varietal from Washington's Yakima Valley is full-bodied and rich in flavors of blackberry, plum, and spices. The firm tannins support complex structuring and its well-aging qualities.
- Midnight Archer: A prototypical Left Bank Bordeaux-inspired wine, the Cabernet-dominant Midnight Archer features Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot grapes from Red Mountain's Quintessence Vineyard. Rich dark fruits and firm tannins appear to meld with the earth. An ideal bottle for lovers of bold Bordeaux reds.
- Grand Mélange: This plush, approachable Merlot-driven Bordeaux Blend is forward with plum, blackberry, and chocolate and has a round mouth-feel, along with a creamy texture. Delicious now, this wine is also a very good candidate for aging.
You can find the variety and depth of red dry wine with these great Cellar Beast Winehouse bottles and see which will suit your style. Stop into our tasting room, learn about our Old-World winemaking techniques, and discuss the differences between Washington State wines and warmer climate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons and Napa Valley Merlots. Also, read more about possible food pairings in our blog series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the big difference between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot?
Answer: Notice the basic differences: flavor profile, tannin structure, and aging potential. Cabernet Sauvignon is bold, tannic, complex, and worthy of aging; Merlot is softer, fruit-forward, and more approachable when young.
2. Which is better to pair with food, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot?
Answer: Cabernet Sauvignon pairs really well with rich meats like steak and lamb, but Merlot is better with dishes like roasted chicken or grilled pork-easygoing, fruity profile.
3. Should I decant Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot before drinking?
Cabernet Sauvignon benefits most from decanting, particularly those bottles that are a few years old, as it would open up layers and soften tannins, while Merlot, though less demanding, also likes to get some air, which enhances the fruity aromas.
4. How should I store Cabernet Sauvignon vs. Merlot?
Answer:
- With high levels of tannins and acidity, Cabernet Sauvignon rewards long-term aging. For a few years, keep it away from the elements in a cool place to age properly and show off complex flavors.
- Merlot is typically preferred within a couple of years since the softer tannins don't make it as rewarding for extended aging.
5. What are Bordeaux blends, and how do they relate to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot?
Answer: By tradition, the Bordeaux blend merges Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with other varieties like Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, or Malbec.
- Left Bank Bordeaux wines are usually Cabernet-dominant and have bold flavors and aging potential.
- Right Bank Bordeaux wines are usually dominated by Merlot, often making them easier and fruitier.
Check out our Grand Mélange and Midnight Archer for Cellar Beast's take on these classic blends.
6. Which would be a better wine to age?
Answer: The better wine to age would be Cabernet Sauvignon because of its higher tannin content and acidity, which will enable it to mature and evolve over time, developing complex flavors of dried fruit, tobacco, and leather.
For wines that are built to age, see our Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve or one of our Bordeaux-style blends such as Midnight Archer.
7. Is Merlot really a good option for beginning wine drinkers?
Answer: Yes! Merlot is a fantastic wine for beginners since it's softer, fruit-forward, and has less tannic structure, making it easy to drink and enjoy. It offers flavors like plum, raspberry, and cherry, which are very approachable.
8. Can you tell whether Cabernet Sauvignon will be more acidic than Merlot?
Answer: Cabernet Sauvignon tends to have higher acidity compared to the typically softer Merlot. This increased acidity allows Cabernet to stand up better to fatty foods and helps wine age.
9. Does Cellar Beast Winehouse stock Bordeaux-style wines?
Answer: Absolutely! Here at Cellar Beast Winehouse, we offer Bordeaux-style blends, including our Grand Mélange and Midnight Archer, showcasing a beautiful balance of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that marry for complex yet balanced wines with fantastic aging potential.
About the Author
Head Winemaker and Co-Founder of Cellar Beast Winehouse, Matt Check brings over a decade of winemaking experience and wine education. A Wine School of Philadelphia Level IV Sommelier, Matt's wines have been critically acclaimed for their precision and artistry; wines like *The Dark Angel* have received top honors in international competitions.
Explore Cellar Beast’s Wines
Browse our selection or stop by our tasting room and experience uncompromising excellence behind every glass of our Bordeaux-style wines. From the full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignons to the smooth Merlots, Cellar Beast Winehouse offers fine wines that reflect our commitment to quality and tradition.
