By Matt Check, a certified sommelier and winemaker at Cellar Beast Winehouse, with over 10 years of experience in crafting premium wines.
Merlot vs. Cabernet Sauvignon: Which Wine Is Right for You?
When you’re caught between Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, it helps to know exactly what sets them apart. Cabernet Sauvignon delivers bold tannins, high acidity, and long aging potential, while Merlot offers a softer, fruit‐forward profile that’s ready to enjoy sooner. Below is a concise answer for quick reference, followed by a detailed comparison to guide your choice.
Which Wine to Choose? Choose Cabernet Sauvignon if you want a structured, full‐bodied red with flavors of blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco, ideal for long‐term aging. Choose Merlot if you prefer a smoother, medium‐to‐full body with juicy plum and raspberry notes, perfect for drinking now and easy food pairing.
Merlot vs. Cabernet Sauvignon: At a Glance
Critical Differences Between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
What Are the Flavor Differences Between Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon?
Cabernet Sauvignon typically tastes like:
- Blackcurrant, blackberry, and black cherry
- Green pepper, cedar, and spice
- Aged notes of tobacco, leather, and earth
Merlot usually features:
- Plum, raspberry, and ripe strawberry
- Subtle chocolate or vanilla (from oak)
- A softer, rounder body and smooth mouthfeel
Looking for a softer alternative? Try our Cellar Beast Merlot to experience the smooth tannins and subtle red fruit notes Merlot is known for.
How Do the Tannins and Structure Compare?
- Cabernet Sauvignon:
- High in tannins
- Bold Structure
- Great for Aging
- Merlot
- Lower Tannins
- Softer, velvety feel
- Easier to drink young
What’s the Difference in Body and Acidity?
- Cabernet Sauvignon:
- Full-bodied
- High Acidity
- Best with red meats
- Merlot:
- Medium to full-bodied
- Lower acidity
- Versatile with various dishes
Which Wine Has Better Aging Potential?
- Cabernet Sauvignon:
- Ages for many years
- Flavors deepen and evolve
- Ideal for collectors
- Merlot:
- Meant to be enjoyed young
- Can age, depending on winemaking style
Which Wine Suits Your Taste?
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
Discover the depth of our Cabernet Sauvignon that exemplifies these robust flavors.
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
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
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.
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.
