Merlot vs. Cabernet Sauvignon: A Wine Lover’s Debate

Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are two of the most popular red wine varieties around the globe, and while similar in some ways, each grape boasts its own distinct personality and flavor profile nuances. Both hail from the revered Bordeaux region of France, yet their differences in flavor profile, tannins, food pairings, and aging potential make them uniquely appealing to different preferences.

“Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are two of the most popular red wine grape varieties in the world,” says Elyse Lovenworth, Lead Sommelier at Sommsation. “In fact, Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted grape variety in the world—but right behind it, in second place is Merlot.”

For those looking to expand their wine knowledge or make an informed choice when selecting a bottle, understanding the key differences between Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is essential. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a dedicated connoisseur, this deep dive into these two remarkable wines will help you navigate the world of wine with confidence.

• Merlot → Lower tannins, medium acidity, making it softer and easier to drink
• Cabernet Sauvignon → High tannins, higher acidity, providing structure and age-worthiness
  
  Merlot’s gentler tannins make it enjoyable even when young, whereas Cabernet Sauvignon benefits from aging, as its tannins soften over time.

Food and wine pairing is all about balance—that is, matching the weight, acidity, and tannins of the wine with your dish.

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“Based on their flavor profile differences, it makes sense that they would match with different types of food when pairing,” says Lovenworth. She reveals that generally speaking, she’ll reach for Merlot while enjoying lighter proteins, whereas Cabernet Sauvignon is her go-to pick for heartier meats.

Additionally, in the realm of budget, Lovenworth cites that Merlot can seriously overdeliver for the price. “If I have a tighter budget while shopping or ordering wine, I will definitely focus on the Merlot section,” she says. “You get much more bang for your buck with Merlot when it comes to the quality and price ratio. Cabernet Sauvignon is sometimes the opposite.”

Alcohol content affects a wine’s body, richness, and intensity.

- Merlot → 12.5%–14.5% ABV → Medium-bodied and smooth
- Cabernet Sauvignon → 13.5%–15%+ ABV → Full-bodied and intenseBecause of its higher alcohol and tannin levels, Cabernet Sauvignon often feels more powerful and structured, while Merlot remains softer and more balanced.

Merlot: Enjoy Sooner, But Can Age

-Typical aging window: 5–10 years
-Changes with age: Gains earthy, dried fruit, and herbal notes
-Best aged examples: Right Bank Bordeaux, premium Napa Merlot

Cabernet Sauvignon: Built for Long Aging

-Typical aging window: 10–30+ years
-Changes with age: Tannins soften, revealing leather, tobacco, and dried fruit flavors
- Best aged examples: Bordeaux (Left Bank), Napa Valley, Chilean Cabernet

“The tannins that Cabernet Sauvignon has in its youth soften with time and some great tertiary flavors will develop,” says Victoria Love, Certified Specialist of Wine and Winery Management Specialist  at Sommsation, equally stating that Merlots, too, can age for a fair bit of time, but generally not always as long as Cabernet Sauvignons. “Merlots from top wine regions like Saint-Emilion and Pomerol can age for a long time, and this can be the case for some top regions of Napa as well,” she says.

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Merlot: Gentle Complexity for Cooking
- Great for: Tomato-based sauces, stews, braised chicken
- Blends well with: Herbs, garlic, and mushrooms
- Best used in: Coq au vin, red wine risotto, pasta sauces

Cabernet Sauvignon: Bold Flavor Enhancer
- Great for: Hearty, slow-cooked dishes
- Blends well with: Rosemary, thyme, black pepper
- Best used in: Red wine reductions, beef stews, marinades

Pro tip: Use a wine you’d actually drink—cooking with bad wine won’t improve a dish!

When choosing wines to cook with, Love states that she generally opts for wines that she enjoys drinking. “I usually go for bottles that have flavor profiles that will add to my dish, as if it were a little garnish, and usually ones that are fuller in body,” she says.

The decision between Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon depends on your personal taste and occasion.

If you prefer smooth, fruit-forward wines, go for Merlot. If you love bold, structured wines with aging potential, Cabernet Sauvignon is the way to go. However, to firmly grasp the unique nuances between the two, we recommend trying both.

At Sommsation, we offer expert-guided tastings and curated wine selections to help you explore these two classic wines. To explore our current wine tasting options, click here. 

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The world of wine is full of discovery—whether you lean toward the silky elegance of Merlot or the bold structure of Cabernet Sauvignon, there’s always something new to explore.

At Sommsation, our expert team makes finding the perfect wine for your palate as easy as possible. From personalized tastings to expertly curated selections, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to dive in? Book a virtual tasting or browse our exclusive wine selections today!