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March 27, 2025
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Matt Check

Cabernet vs. Merlot: Key Differences & The Best One for You

Cabernet vs. Merlot: Which is smoother? Learn key differences in taste, body, and food pairings to find the best red wine for your palate

Cabernet vs. Merlot: Key Differences & The Best One for You

Table of Contents

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.

harvest time at Cellar Beast Winehouse Andreas Pa
Merlot from Red Mountain AVA in Washington State begins primary fermentation in a macro bin.

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.

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.
Destemming Harvest at Cellar Beast Winehouse Andreas PA
Directly from Washington State, Alek loads Cabernet Sauvignon into the destemmer as the first phase of the winemaking process.

Which Wine Suits Your Taste?

Difference between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
Difference between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot

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

| Try our award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon

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

| Try our 2022 Merlot

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

Mark Pagliaro prepares Red Mountain Merlot grapes to eventually become his signature wine, the Grand Melange.
Mark Pagliaro prepares Red Mountain Merlot grapes to eventually become his signature wine, the Grand Melange.

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.

Come Sip With Us in Andreas PA Reserve your personal wine tasting

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.

Cabernet vs. Merlot: Key Differences & The Best One for You

Matt Check is the Head Winemaker and Co-Founder of Cellar Beast Winehouse, with over a decade of expertise spanning winemaking, sommelier training, and wine education. A certified Level IV Sommelier from the Wine School of Philadelphia, Matt’s dedication to crafting exceptional wines shines through his ability to blend traditional techniques with innovative approaches. Matt has built deep connections with premier vineyards across top AVAs like Red Mountain and Willamette Valley, sourcing world-class fruit to create terroir-driven wines. His critically acclaimed creations, such as The Dark Angel (97 points, Sunset International Wine Competition), exemplify his commitment to precision and artistry. Beyond winemaking, Matt is a passionate wine educator and industry-respected author. With his extensive background in blind tastings, wine pairing, and wine program design, he brings unparalleled insight into each vintage. From California to Chile, his work celebrates the diversity and richness of global wine regions. Discover the craftsmanship and innovation behind Matt’s award-winning wines at Cellar Beast Winehouse.