{"id":1675,"date":"2023-03-05T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-05T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marketviewliquor.com\/blog\/?p=1675"},"modified":"2026-04-16T18:36:41","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T22:36:41","slug":"the-difference-between-merlot-and-cabernet-sauvignon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marketviewliquor.com\/blog\/the-difference-between-merlot-and-cabernet-sauvignon\/","title":{"rendered":"The Difference Between Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Cabernet sauvignons and merlots are two wildly popular and well-established red wine varietals. They’re so beloved that they rank as the two most-planted wine grape varietals globally \u2014 over 840,000 acres for cabernet sauvignon and 657,300 acres for merlot<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you\u2019re like most people and don\u2019t carry a sommelier or wine expert certificate, it can be hard to distinguish between the two. Cabernet sauvignon and merlot wines share many similarities to the naked eye, but their sips can carry vast, subtle differences for the discerning tongue to untangle. The two wines also have different food pairings<\/a> despite their similarities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn some terms and descriptions<\/a> commonly used when wine tasting to help you better understand the differences between merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Then, appreciate the rich heritage between these two delicious red wines \u2014 and impress your friends along the way \u2014 with this in-depth cabernet sauvignon versus merlot guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Merlot Wine vs Cabernet\u00a0Sauvignon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The difference between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot comes down to things like the tannins, color, body, bouquet, acidity, flavor, and strength. We dive into each one below.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cabernet Sauvignon Description – <\/strong>How Cabernet Differs from Merlot<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cabernet sauvignon hails from the legendary wine region of Bordeaux, France. Its grapes grow best in warmer, milder climates. Vineyards grow them in nearly every wine-producing area of the world, from the mountain foothills of Chile<\/a> to California’s golden groves<\/a> to Australia’s outback vineyards<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What distinguishes cabernet sauvignon from the almost-as-beloved merlot \u2014 and other types of red wine<\/a>, for that matter? Explore the unique taste profile and composition of cabernet sauvignon below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Tannins: Medium to High<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Unlike merlot wine, Cabernet sauvignons grapes carry medium-to-high tannin levels. The high tannin levels mean these grape varietals produce a bolder, mouth-drying base. Tannins interact with the proteins in your saliva<\/u><\/a> to cause the astringent drying sensation you\u2019ll notice while drinking a cabernet sauvignon. The tannins found in wine will soften and become less abrasive<\/u><\/a> as the wine ages. Winemakers can also coax additional fruity and earthy tasting notes for their cabernet sauvignon bottles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Color: Burgundy<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

To discover what color cabernet is, you’ll examine the wine and grape varietal at its different stages. On-the-vine cabernet sauvignon grapes are a distinct periwinkle blue. Once picked, fermented and bottled, a glass of cabernet carries a lush, deep red burgundy coloration with a noticeably lighter scarlet rim.\u00a0The grapes have a\u00a0high skin-to-pulp ratio<\/a>, which is the primary factor in the dark color you see in a cabernet sauvignon.\u00a0Other cabernet sauvignon color notes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n