Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot

Similarities of Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are two of the most widely planted red wine grapes in the world. Due to its fairly lengthy name, Cabernet Sauvignon is often abbreviated as “C.S.”, “Cabernet”, or simply “Cab”. 

Merlot and Cabernet both come from the Bordeaux region of France. More specifically, Merlot is believed to have originated from the Libournais sub-region, while Cabernet spread from the Médoc sub-region, on the opposite side of the Gironde river. The two are excellent partners in a blend and form the basis of many classic Bordeaux red blends.

It is important to note that the two red wine varieties are closely linked, and there are several key similarities. Both Merlot and Cabernet share the Cabernet Franc grape as a parent, and both have enjoyed a great deal of success in the “New World”. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are widely grown in Australia, New Zealand, and the Americas. 

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot adapt well to both cool and hot climates, but this can also cause more overlap between the two wines. Merlot produced in a cold climate can be higher in acidity, and confused with a Cabernet, while Cabernet growing in a hot climate may end up tasting slightly mellower, like a Merlot. 

In terms of their flavor and general profile, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon have similar aromas of dark fruit. They are full-bodied and dry wines, with a dark ruby color. Both of the Bordeaux varieties also respond well to aging in oak. 

Differences of Cabernet Sauvignon Versus Merlot

Merlot ripens approximately two weeks earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon, so generally speaking, it is better suited to slightly colder regions. Cabernet Sauvignon is more “itself” when grown in slightly warmer regions, but adapts well to a variety of climates. 

On the vine, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are darker and thicker-skinned than Merlot. While both grapes are moderately acidic in broad terms, Cabernet Sauvignon tends to be slightly more acidic. Cabernet also contains more tannins than Merlot. 

In terms of taste, Merlot is more generous with its fruit flavors, while Cabernet Sauvignon is slightly more savory. 

If you happen to be blind tasting, the two varieties can be difficult to distinguish. Thankfully, there are a few tips and tricks, in terms of how they look and how they taste, to tell Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon apart. We’ll go into detail on those in the next section. 

How To Distinguish Between Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot

When you first pick up a glass of either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, one of the things you can do is look at the color. They are both ruby red, but Merlot tends to be very slightly lighter in color. 

Around the rim of the wine, you can also see a slightly orange tint to Merlot, while Cabernet Sauvignon is shades of red. 

The difference in flavor is subtle, but Merlot tends to have more red fruit flavors, while Cabernet has darker fruits and contains some herbal notes.

The wine’s texture in the mouth is also important. Merlot is less acidic, so it should feel slightly softer. Cabernet Sauvignon is slightly more vigorous, and its acidity and bitterness are more obvious, and longer lasting, than Merlot. 

The best way to tell the difference is to take a mouthful of each and try to taste which wine is more robust and bitter in the mouth. Cabernet Sauvignon is likely to be more tannic than Merlot.

Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot Comparison Chart

Pairing Food With Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot

Deciding what to eat with a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot can also help you make a choice between the two red wines. Cabernet Sauvignons’ robustness will cut through fatty meats, so think about pairing it with a ribeye steak, or a beef wellington. Merlot’s softness makes it versatile for pairing with food. It goes well with roasted meats and vegetables, or a hearty pasta dish.

Cabernet Sauvignon Food Pairing

Merlot Food Pairing

All About Cabernet Sauvignon

All About Merlot

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