By Matt Check, a certified sommelier and winemaker at Cellar Beast Winehouse, with over 10 years of experience in crafting premium wines.
If you’re torn between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, you’re not alone. These two classic red wines share a common parent in Cabernet Franc but offer distinct characteristics that appeal to different palates. Whether you prefer a bold, tannic red or a smooth, fruit-forward pour, this guide will help you make the perfect choice.
Try both varieties in a guided tasting at our Andreas location.
Critical Differences Between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
1. Flavor Profiles
- Cabernet Sauvignon: A full-bodied red known for deep, dark fruit flavors such as blackcurrant, blackberry, and black cherry, often complemented by herbaceous notes of green pepper, cedar, and spice. With aging, it develops complex flavors of tobacco, leather, and earth.
- 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.
Looking for a softer alternative? Try our Cellar Beast Merlot to experience the smooth tannins and subtle red fruit notes Merlot is known for.
2. Tannin and Structure
- Cabernet Sauvignon: High tannins create a bold structure, making it an excellent choice for aging.
- Merlot: Lower tannins contribute to a smoother mouthfeel, ideal for those who prefer a softer red wine.
3. Body and Acidity
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Full-bodied with high acidity, balancing richness with freshness—perfect for pairing with red meats.
- Merlot: Medium to full-bodied with lower acidity, making it versatile for a variety of dishes.
4. Aging Potential
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Its tannin structure and acidity make it an excellent candidate for long-term aging, allowing flavors to develop complexity.
- Merlot: Best enjoyed in its youth but can age gracefully depending on the region and winemaking style.
Which Wine Suits Your Taste?
Choose Cabernet Sauvignon If You Like:
- A bold, structured wine with deep complexity
- Flavors of blackberry, blackcurrant, and roasted spices
- A wine that evolves beautifully with age
Discover the depth of our Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve that exemplifies these robust flavors.
You'll want to go for Merlot if you like:
- A velvety, smooth wine with silky tannins
- Flavors of plum, raspberry, and chocolate
- A wine that’s ready to drink now and perfect for any occasion
What are Bordeaux blends?
Bordeaux blends combine Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with other varieties like Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec to create wines with depth, complexity, and aging potential.
Left Bank (Cabernet Sauvignon-Dominant)
These wines, from regions like Médoc and Pauillac, are full-bodied with bold tannins and aging potential, featuring flavors of cedar, graphite, and earth.
Right Bank (Merlot-Dominant)
Pomerol and Saint-Émilion wines emphasize Merlot’s softer, fruitier profile with notes of plum, blackberry, and chocolate.
| Explore our Grand Mélange, crafted in the style of Right Bank Bordeaux
Why You Should Try Cellar Beast’s Bordeaux-Style Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
A bold, full-bodied wine from Washington’s Yakima Valley with rich blackberry, plum, and spice notes. Structured tannins ensure long aging potential.
Midnight Archer
A Left Bank Bordeaux-inspired blend featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot from Red Mountain. Complex, dark fruit flavors with firm tannins.
Grand Mélange
A Right Bank Bordeaux-style Merlot blend, offering plush textures and flavors of plum, blackberry, and chocolate. Elegant now but also great for aging.
| Visit our tasting room to experience these exceptional wines
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the biggest difference between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot?
Answer: Cabernet Sauvignon is bold, tannic, and ideal for aging, while Merlot is softer, fruit-forward, and more approachable when young.
2. Which wine pairs best with food?
- Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with red meats like steak and lamb.
- Merlot complements roasted chicken, pork, and vegetable dishes.
3. Should I decant Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot?
Cabernet Sauvignon benefits more from decanting, as it softens tannins and enhances complexity. Merlot can also be decanted but requires less time.
4. How should I store these wines?
Answer:
- Cabernet Sauvignon ages well in a cool, dark place for years.
- Merlot is best enjoyed young but can age for a few years in proper conditions.
5. What are Bordeaux blends, and how do they relate to these wines?
Answer: Bordeaux blends combine Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with other varietals to enhance complexity and aging potential.
- 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: Cabernet Sauvignon, due to its higher tannins and acidity, ages better over time.
7. Is Merlot a good choice for beginners?
Answer: Yes! Its softer tannins and fruit-forward nature make it an excellent starting point for new wine drinkers.
8. Does Cabernet Sauvignon have more acidity than Merlot?
Answer: Yes, Cabernet Sauvignon typically has higher acidity, making it better suited for aging and pairing with fatty foods.
9. Does Cellar Beast Winehouse offer Bordeaux-style wines?
Answer: Absolutely! We offer blends like Grand Mélange and Midnight Archer, which highlight the best of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
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. Learn more about Wine Varietals and Regions here.
