Merlot vs Pinot Noir – Key Differences & Similarities
Do you enjoy a nice glass of red wine? If so, are you more likely to choose a merlot or a pinot noir? While there are many different types of red wine, these two varieties are some of the most popular. So, which one should you choose? In this blog post, we will compare merlot and pinot noir and help you decide which is the better choice for you.
Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a type of red wine that is made from the pinot noir grape. This grape is very thin skinned, which makes it susceptible to disease and difficult to grow. For this reason, pinot noir wines are often more expensive than other types of red wine. Pinot noir wines are typically light bodied with a high acidity. They often have flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. Pinot noirs are usually best when they are consumed young, within two to three years of the vintage date.
Merlot
Merlot is another type of red wine that is made from the merlot grape. This grape is thicker skinned than the pinot noir grape, which makes it easier to grow. As a result, merlot wines are often less expensive than pinot noir wines. Merlot wines are typically medium bodied with lower acidity. They often have flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate. Merlots are usually best when they are consumed within four to six years of the vintage date.
So, which should you choose? If you are looking for a light bodied red wine with high acidity, then pinot noir is the better choice for you. If you are looking for a medium bodied red wine with lower acidity, then merlot is the better choice for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two wines is a matter of personal preference. So, try them both and see which one you like better!
What’s the Difference Between Pinot Noir and Merlot?
Pinot noir and merlot are two of the most popular types of red wine. So, what’s the difference between them? Here are some key things to know about these two wines:
Pinot noir is made from the pinot noir grape. This grape is very thin skinned, which makes it susceptible to disease and difficult to grow. For this reason, pinot noir wines are often more expensive than other types of red wine. Pinot noir wines are typically light bodied with a high acidity. They often have flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. Pinot noirs are usually best when they are consumed young, within two to three years of the vintage date.
Merlot is made from the merlot grape. This grape is thicker skinned than the pinot noir grape, which makes it easier to grow. As a result, merlot wines are often less expensive than pinot noir wines. Merlot wines are typically medium bodied with lower acidity. They often have flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate. Merlots are usually best when they are consumed within four to six years of the vintage date.
So, what’s the difference between these two wines? Pinot noir is typically light bodied with a high acidity while merlot is typically medium bodied with lower acidity. Ultimately, the choice between these two wines is a matter of personal preference. So, try them both and see which one you like better!
Merlot Vs Pinot Noir: A Detailed Comparison
Do you often find yourself wondering about the differences between Merlot and Pinot Noir wines? If yes, then this blog post is for you! Here, we will take a detailed look at these two popular types of red wine and compare them side by side. By the end of this post, you should have a good understanding of the key differences between these two wines.
Growing regions
The first thing to know about these two wines is that they are grown in different regions. Pinot noir grapes are typically grown in cooler climates such as Burgundy, France. On the other hand, merlot grapes are typically grown in warmer climates such as Bordeaux, France. This difference in climate can have an impact on the taste of the wine. Wines from cooler climates tend to be lighter bodied with higher acidity while wines from warmer climates tend to be heavier bodied with lower acidity.
Flavor profile
Another important thing to know about these two wines is that they have different flavor profiles. Pinot noir wines are typically light bodied with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. On the other hand, merlot wines are typically medium bodied with flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate. Again, this difference in flavor profile is due to the different climates in which these grapes are grown.
Ageability
Another key difference between these two wines is their ageability. Pinot noir wines are usually best when they are consumed young, within two to three years of the vintage date. On the other hand, merlot wines are usually best when they are consumed within four to six years of the vintage date. This difference is due to the fact that pinot noir grapes are thinner skinned and more susceptible to disease. As a result, these wines do not age as well as merlot wines.
Origins
Finally, it is worth mentioning that these two wines have different origins. Pinot noir is a native grape of Burgundy, France while merlot is a native grape of Bordeaux, France. However, these days you can find both of these grapes being grown in other regions around the world.
So, there you have it! These are the key differences between pinot noir and merlot wines. Now that you know more about these two types of wine, you can make a more informed decision the next time you are at the store. Cheers!
Viticulture And Terroir
The Pinot Noir grape is a fickle one, and it requires particular attention in the vineyard. The grapevines need to be planted in well-drained soils that are not too rich in nutrients. The vines also need to be exposed to a good amount of sunlight. These factors all play a role in ensuring that the grapes ripen properly and develop the desired flavors.
The climate in which Pinot Noir grapes are grown also has an impact on the flavor of the wine. Pinot Noir grapes thrive in cooler climates such as Burgundy, France. The cool climate helps to preserve the acidity in the grape, which contributes to the light body and high acidity of Pinot Noir wines.
On the other hand, Merlot grapes are typically grown in warmer climates such as Bordeaux, France. The warm climate helps the grape to ripen fully and develop its characteristic flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate. The resulting wine is usually medium bodied with lower acidity.
Taste
When it comes to taste, Pinot Noir and Merlot wines can vary quite a bit. Pinot Noir wines are typically light bodied with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. On the other hand, Merlot wines are usually medium bodied with flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate. Again, this difference in flavor profile is due to the different climates in which these grapes are grown.
Appearance
In terms of appearance, Pinot Noir and Merlot wines can also vary quite a bit. Pinot Noir wines tend to be lighter in color, while Merlot wines tend to be darker. This difference is due to the fact that Pinot Noir grapes have thinner skins and are more susceptible to disease. As a result, these wines do not age as well as Merlot wines.
Tasting Notes
Now that we’ve covered the key differences between Pinot Noir and Merlot, let’s take a closer look at some specific tasting notes for each of these wines.
Sweetness
On the sweetness scale, Pinot Noir wines are typically dry while Merlot wines can range from dry to sweet. This difference is due to the fact that Pinot Noir grapes have higher acidity levels. As a result, these wines need less sugar added during the fermentation process in order to taste balanced. On the other hand, Merlot grapes have lower acidity levels. As a result, these wines can taste sweeter since more sugar is needed during the fermentation process to balance out the flavors.
Body
In terms of body, Pinot Noir wines are typically light bodied while Merlot wines are typically medium bodied. This difference is due to the fact that Pinot Noir grapes have thinner skins and are more susceptible to disease. As a result, these wines do not age as well as Merlot wines.
Acidity
On the acidity scale, Pinot Noir wines are typically high in acidity while Merlot wines are typically low in acidity. This difference is due to the fact that Pinot Noir grapes have higher acidity levels. As a result, these wines need less sugar added during the fermentation process in order to taste balanced. On the other hand, Merlot grapes have lower acidity levels. As a result, these wines can taste sweeter since more sugar is needed during the fermentation process to balance out the flavors.
Wine and Taste
Now that we’ve covered the key differences between Pinot Noir and Merlot, let’s take a closer look at how these wines taste.
As we mentioned earlier, Pinot Noir wines are typically light bodied with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. On the other hand, Merlot wines are usually medium bodied with flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate. Again, this difference in flavor profile is due to the different climates in which these grapes are grown.
When it comes to sweetness, Pinot Noir wines are typically dry while Merlot wines can range from dry to sweet. This difference is due to the fact that Pinot Noir grapes have higher acidity levels. As a result, these wines need less sugar added during the fermentation process in order to taste balanced. On the other hand, Merlot grapes have lower acidity levels. As a result, these wines can taste sweeter since more sugar is needed during the fermentation process to balance out the flavors.
In terms of body, Pinot Noir wines are typically light bodied while Merlot wines are typically medium bodied. This difference is due to the fact that Pinot Noir grapes have thinner skins and are more susceptible to disease. As a result, these wines do not age as well as Merlot wines.
Food Pairings
When it comes to food pairings, Pinot Noir wines are typically paired with lighter fare such as poultry or fish. On the other hand, Merlot wines are usually paired with heavier dishes such as red meat or pasta. Again, this difference is due to the fact that Pinot Noir wines are typically light bodied while Merlot wines are typically medium bodied.
Aging Potential
When it comes to aging potential, Pinot Noir wines typically have a shorter shelf life than Merlot wines. This difference is due to the fact that Pinot Noir grapes have thinner skins and are more susceptible to disease. As a result, these wines do not age as well as Merlot wines.
Price
In terms of price, Pinot Noir wines are typically more expensive than Merlot wines. This difference is due to the fact that Pinot Noir grapes are more difficult to grow and produce. As a result, these wines typically cost more money to produce.
Now that we’ve covered the key differences between Pinot Noir and Merlot, let’s take a closer look at how these wines taste.
As we mentioned earlier, Pinot Noir wines are typically light bodied with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. On the other hand, Merlot wines are usually medium bodied with flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate. Again, this difference in flavor profile is due to the different climates in which these grapes are grown.
When it comes to sweetness, Pinot Noir wines are typically dry while Merlot wines can range from dry to sweet. This difference is due to the fact that Pinot Noir grapes have higher acidity levels. As a result, these wines need less sugar added during the fermentation process in order to taste balanced. On the other hand, Merlot grapes have lower acidity levels. As a result, these wines can taste sweeter since more sugar is needed during the fermentation process to balance out the flavors.
In terms of body, Pinot Noir wines are typically light bodied while Merlot wines are typically medium bodied. This difference is due to the fact that Pinot Noir grapes have thinner skins and are more susceptible to disease. As a result, these wines do not age as well as Merlot wines.
When it comes to food pairings, Pinot Noir wines are typically paired with lighter fare such as poultry or fish. On the other hand, Merlot wines are usually paired with heavier dishes such as red meat or pasta. Again, this difference is due to the fact that Pinot Noir wines are typically light bodied while Merlot wines are typically medium bodied.
What is the difference between Pinot Noir vs Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot?
When it comes to the key differences between Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, there are three main areas that we will be focusing on. These three areas are:
- Flavor Profile
- Body
- Food Pairings
Let’s start by taking a closer look at the flavor profile of each of these wines.
As we mentioned earlier, Pinot Noir wines are typically light bodied with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. On the other hand, Cabernet Sauvignon wines are usually full bodied with flavors of blackberry, cassis, and chocolate. Finally, Merlot wines are typically medium bodied with flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate. Again, these differences in flavor profile are due to the different climates in which these grapes are grown.
When it comes to sweetness, Pinot Noir wines are typically dry while Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines can range from dry to sweet. This difference is due to the fact that Pinot Noir grapes have higher acidity levels. As a result, these wines need less sugar added during the fermentation process in order to taste balanced. On the other hand, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes have lower acidity levels. As a result, these wines can taste sweeter since more sugar is needed during the fermentation process to balance out the flavors.
In terms of body, Pinot Noir wines are typically light bodied while Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines are typically medium bodied. This difference is due to the fact that Pinot Noir grapes have thinner skins and are more susceptible to disease. As a result, these wines do not age as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines.
When it comes to food pairings, Pinot Noir wines are typically paired with lighter fare such as poultry or fish. On the other hand, Cabernet Sauvignon wines are usually paired with heavier dishes such as red meat or pasta. Finally, Merlot wines can be paired with both lighter and heavier dishes depending on the level of sweetness. Again, these differences are due to the fact that Pinot Noir wines are typically light bodied while Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines are typically medium bodied.
So, what is the difference between Pinot Noir vs Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot? The main differences between these wines are in terms of flavor profile, body, and food pairings. Pinot Noir wines are typically light bodied with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. On the other hand, Cabernet Sauvignon wines are usually full bodied with flavors of blackberry, cassis, and chocolate.
Finally, Merlot wines are typically medium bodied with flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate. In terms of food pairings, Pinot Noir wines are typically paired with lighter fare such as poultry or fish. On the other hand, Cabernet Sauvignon wines are usually paired with heavier dishes such as red meat or pasta. Finally, Merlot wines can be paired with both lighter and heavier dishes depending on the level of sweetness.
Difference in flavor profile
The main difference between the flavor profile of Pinot Noir and that of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is that Pinot Noir wines are typically light bodied with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. On the other hand, Cabernet Sauvignon wines are usually full bodied with flavors of blackberry, cassis, and chocolate. Finally, Merlot wines are typically medium bodied with flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate. These differences are due to the different climates in which these grapes are grown.
Difference in body
The main difference between the body of Pinot Noir and that of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is that Pinot Noir wines are typically light bodied while Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines are typically medium bodied. This difference is due to the fact that Pinot Noir grapes have thinner skins and are more susceptible to disease. As a result, these wines do not age as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines.
Difference in food pairings
The main difference between the food pairings of Pinot Noir and that of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is that Pinot Noir wines are typically paired with lighter fare such as poultry or fish. On the other hand, Cabernet Sauvignon wines are usually paired with heavier dishes such as red meat or pasta. Finally, Merlot wines can be paired with both lighter and heavier dishes depending on the level of sweetness. These differences are due to the different body types of these wines.
Difference in winemaking
The main difference between the winemaking of Pinot Noir and that of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is that Pinot Noir wines are typically made in a lighter style while Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines are usually made in a heavier style. This difference is due to the fact that Pinot Noir grapes have thinner skins and are more susceptible to disease. As a result, these wines do not age as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines.
Difference in aging
The main difference between the aging of Pinot Noir and that of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is that Pinot Noir wines typically do not age as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines. This difference is due to the fact that Pinot Noir grapes have thinner skins and are more susceptible to disease. As a result, these wines do not age as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines.
Culinary world
The main difference between Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot is that Pinot Noir wines are typically light bodied with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. On the other hand, Cabernet Sauvignon wines are usually full bodied with flavors of blackberry, cassis, and chocolate.
Finally, Merlot wines are typically medium bodied with flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate. These differences are due to the different climates in which these grapes are grown as well as the different winemaking styles. Pinot Noir wines are typically paired with lighter fare such as poultry or fish while Cabernet Sauvignon wines are usually paired with heavier dishes such as red meat or pasta.
NUTRITIONAL DATA COMPARISON
The main difference between the nutritional data of Pinot Noir and that of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is that Pinot Noir wines are typically lower in calories and fat. On the other hand, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines are usually higher in calories and fat. These differences are due to the different grapes used to make these wines as well as the different winemaking styles.
Grape variety
The main difference between the grape varieties of Pinot Noir and that of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is that Pinot Noir wines are typically made from the Pinot Noir grape while Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines are usually made from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. These differences are due to the different climates in which these grapes are grown as well as the different winemaking styles. Pinot Noir wines are typically light bodied with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry while Cabernet Sauvignon wines are usually full bodied with flavors of blackberry, cassis, and chocolate. Finally, Merlot wines are typically medium bodied with flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate.
Tannin levels
The main difference between the tannin levels of Pinot Noir and that of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is that Pinot Noir wines are typically lower in tannins while Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines are usually higher in tannins. These differences are due to the different grapes used to make these wines as well as the different winemaking styles. Pinot Noir wines are typically light bodied with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry while Cabernet Sauvignon wines are usually full bodied with flavors of blackberry, cassis, and chocolate. Finally, Merlot wines are typically medium bodied with flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate.
Sugar levels
The main difference between the sugar levels of Pinot Noir and that of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is that Pinot Noir wines are typically lower in sugar while Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines are usually higher in sugar. These differences are due to the different grapes used to make these wines as well as the different winemaking styles. Pinot Noir wines are typically light bodied with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry while Cabernet Sauvignon wines are usually full bodied with flavors of blackberry, cassis, and chocolate. Finally, Merlot wines are typically medium bodied with flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate.
Alcohol levels
The main difference between the alcohol levels of Pinot Noir and that of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is that Pinot Noir wines are typically lower in alcohol while Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines are usually higher in alcohol. These differences are due to the different grapes used to make these wines as well as the different winemaking styles.
Pinot Noir wines are typically light bodied with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry while Cabernet Sauvignon wines are usually full bodied with flavors of blackberry, cassis, and chocolate. Finally, Merlot wines are typically medium bodied with flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate.
FAQs
Is Merlot stronger than Pinot Noir?
The main difference between the alcohol levels of Pinot Noir and that of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is that Pinot Noir wines are typically lower in alcohol while Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines are usually higher in alcohol. These differences are due to the different grapes used to make these wines as well as the different winemaking styles.
Can you drink Merlot every day?
Yes, you can drink Merlot every day. The main difference between the alcohol levels of Pinot Noir and that of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is that Pinot Noir wines are typically lower in alcohol while Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines are usually higher in alcohol. These differences are due to the different grapes used to make these wines as well as the different winemaking styles.
What are the health benefits of drinking Merlot?
Some potential health benefits of drinking Merlot wine include reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, improve mental health, and help prevent certain types of cancer. These potential health benefits are due to the high levels of antioxidants present in Merlot wines. Some of these antioxidants include resveratrol, catechins, and quercetin.
Which is smoother Merlot or Pinot Noir?
Merlot wines are typically smoother than Pinot Noir wines due to the higher levels of tannins present in Pinot Noir wines. Tannins are a type of polyphenol that can give wine a astringent, dry, and bitter taste. The higher levels of tannins present in Pinot Noir wines is due to the fact that Pinot Noir grapes are a black grape variety. This means that the skins of the grape are used in the winemaking process, which leads to an increase in tannins.
Which is lighter Pinot Noir or Merlot?
Pinot Noir wines are typically lighter in body than Merlot wines. The main difference between the alcohol levels of Pinot Noir and that of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is that Pinot Noir wines are typically lower in alcohol while Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines are usually higher in alcohol. These differences are due to the different grapes used to make these wines as well as the different winemaking styles.
Does Merlot have more sugar than Pinot Noir?
No, Merlot wines do not have more sugar than Pinot Noir wines. The main difference between the alcohol levels of Pinot Noir and that of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is that Pinot Noir wines are typically lower in alcohol while Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines are usually higher in alcohol. These differences are due to the different grapes used to make these wines as well as the different winemaking styles.
Pinot Noir wines are typically light bodied with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry while Cabernet Sauvignon wines are usually full bodied with flavors of blackberry, cassis, and chocolate. Finally, Merlot wines are typically medium bodied with flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate.
Conclusion
Though both wines are excellent choices for a dinner party or celebration, they each have their own unique flavor profiles that could complement different dishes on the menu. If you’re looking for a wine to pair with red meat, Pinot Noir is a great option due to its earthy tones. Merlot, on the other hand, can be paired with chicken or fish and will bring out the sweetness of those dishes. As far as price is concerned, Pinot Noir typically costs more than Merlot because it is grown in regions where the climate is cooler and grapes take longer to ripen.
At Wine Folly we believe that everyone should have access to delicious wine no matter what their budget is, so we’ve included bottles of both wines at various price points. We hope this buyer’s guide has helped you decide which wine you want to serve at your next gathering!
Further reading :
- How Many Bottles are in a Case of Wine
- Is Pinot Grigio Sweet
- How Many Ounces in a Bottle of Wine
- How Many Calories in a Bottle of Red Wine
- How Many Glasses of Champagne in a Bottle
- How Much Does A Bottle Of Wine Weigh?
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinot_noir
I am Thomas Delange, CEO of McMahon’s Public House bar. I have a passion for restaurants and cooking & wines, and I love to spend my free time experimenting in the kitchen. I’ve worked hard to make McMahon’s one of the most successful bars in the city. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family.