Similarities of Merlot & Pinot Noir
As far as French red wines go, Merlot and Pinot Noir are on the delicate side of the scale. Both varietals have become popular outside of France, particularly in California, but they can also be found in South Africa and Australia.
Merlot is an important grape for blending in Bordeaux, but for this article, we will compare the typical characteristics of each varietal, without going into detail about blends.
Merlot and Pinot Noir are dry red wines, and both can be medium-bodied – but usually, Pinot Noir is lighter-bodied, and Merlot is slightly fuller.
The two varietals usually have a pleasant, balanced acidity. High-quality versions of Pinot Noir and Merlot have the potential to age for decades.
Differences of Merlot Versus Pinot Noir
Merlot and Pinot Noir come from arguably the two most famed regions in France. Merlot comes from Bordeaux, and Pinot Noir from Burgundy.
Merlot has adapted well to both warm and cool climates, but Pinot Noir usually struggles outside of cool climates. On the vine, its grapes are thin-skinned and susceptible to pests and various diseases. It is notoriously difficult to grow.
Pinot Noir also has the tendency to pick up elements of the terroir it is grown in – it can be extremely nuanced depending on where it’s grown, and varies a lot from bottle to bottle.
Generally speaking, Merlot has less pronounced flavors than Pinot Noir, and slightly higher tannin levels.
How To Distinguish Between Merlot & Pinot Noir
A classic Merlot is usually much darker in color than Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir can be very light, sometimes to the point of being translucent.
Both of these varietals can be described as smooth and velvety, so it can be difficult to distinguish between them by mouthfeel.
Instead, look out for the soft Merlot flavors of plum and blueberry, with a slight herbaceousness. Pinot Noir will have more striking flavors, often containing tart raspberries along with plums, and sometimes a note of moist earth.
Although both are smooth, Pinot Noir will also usually feel slightly thinner than Merlot. Being “thin” is a quality often associated with poor wine, but there are some great Pinot Noirs that can be described as thin.
Merlot vs Pinot Noir Comparison Chart
| Characteristic | Merlot | Pinot Noir |
| Sweetness | Dry | Dry |
| Acidity | Medium | Medium |
| Tannins | Low-Medium | Low |
| Body | Medium-Full | Light-Medium |
| Tasting Notes | Red and black fruits – plums, cherries and raspberries. Licorice, cloves, chocolate and coffee. | Red fruits – raspberries, cherries and cranberries. Earthy flavors of forest floor, tea leaves and mushrooms. |
| Popularity | 40,500 Monthly Searches | 90,500 Monthly Searches |
| Calories Per Glass | 120 cal | 120 cal |
| ABV % | 13 – 14.5% | 12 – 15% |
Pairing Food With Merlot & Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir’s earthy elements will pair perfectly with mushroom dishes, and its acid content will suit a heavy cut of meat. Merlot is very food friendly and will suit a wide variety of meats and cheeses.
