Cabernet Sauvignon Vs Merlot Vs Pinot Noir
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Three grapes are always part of the conversation when talking about red wine: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir. These three grapes have French origins but now grow in almost every wine-producing country. And although these three grapes share their heritage, they couldn’t be more different.
Here’s all you need to know about Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir. Which one is better? Most importantly, which one is for you? Let’s compare these noble varietals and find out once and for all. What is your favorite red wine grape? Don’t worry; you can choose more than one.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a relatively recent varietal, as it was bred in the 17th century and is the offspring of Cabernet Franc and the white Sauvignon Blanc. Cabernet’s ancestral home, Bordeaux, is still the source of some of the finest wines made with the grape. However, given its resilience, Cabernet performs well in many other regions, from Australia to California.
Cabernet Sauvignon, on its own, is often austere, which is why it is commonly blended with its sibling, Merlot. Cabernet wines have structured tannins, immense concentration and a full body, making them age-worthy.
Aromas: Expect black currants, blackberries, tobacco leaves, dried herbs and oak spices in Cabernet.
Pairing: Pair Cabernet Sauvignon with fatty red meat, such as a marbled ribeye or duck confit.
Merlot
Merlot is also originally from Bordeaux, where it’s the most planted varietal; its name comes from ‘Merlau,’ apparently a local blackbird! Unlike Cabernet, Merlot rarely produces wines with astringent tannins; instead, you can expect a juicy, medium-bodied red wine.
Interestingly, the finest Merlot can age, just as Cabernet, so plenty of collectible Merlot bottles are out there. However, most of the Merlot on the market is easy to drink and inexpensive.
Aromas: Blackberries, blueberries, mocha and espresso.
Pairing: Lean red meat, such as a filet mignon, roasted pork and roasted poultry.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is not from Bordeaux but from Burgundy, where it is king along with its inseparable partner, Chardonnay. Pinot Noir is an ancient varietal, and it is highly prized for its elegant wines with silky tannins, pale color and complexity on the nose and palate. Although Pinot wines are generally light-bodied, the best examples are cellar-worthy.
Pinot is a finicky grape, and it’s hard to grow — it needs the right conditions to thrive, so it is much scarcer than Cabernet and Merlot. You’ll find fine Pinot Noir in cold regions on every continent.
Aromas: Black cherries, undergrowth and oak spices.
Pairings: Oily fish like salmon and tuna, mushroom dishes, and wine-based stews.
Which is Best?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir are all noble grapes with large fan bases. Cabernet might be the most robust and Pinot the lightest, with Merlot right in the middle regarding weight. This means that the trio covers all your red wine needs! There’s no need to put these grapes against each other since they work as a team to offer a wide range of vinous pleasure.
The French trio has conquered the world of wine. There’s no doubt about that, and they’ll continue to dominate the market, not for their differences, but for their similarities; all three grapes are delightful.
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