Difference Between Merlot and Cabernet: Your Essential Breakdown

If you are a red lover, whether you sip it daily or save it for the special moments, two names of totally different characters and build always spark a debate: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Let’s find the differences and break down everything step by step to help you enjoy and choose the right red for your next drinking experience. Talking about Cabernet Sauvignon, one of the most celebrated and widely produced red grape varieties globally, known for its bold structure and exceptional ageing potential. Meanwhile, Merlot has built its reputation as a smooth, approachable option that entices the palate with its soft, fruit-forward, and easy-drinking appeal.

So, let’s grab a glass of your favourite or buy red wine online right  here with Just Wines, and let's deep dive into the nuances between these two wines to help you select the perfect bottle for any moment, whether you're hosting a special dinner or simply unwinding after a long day. But first, let’s go through the basics.

What Are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot Red Wines?

Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine grape variety that is made from black and dark red grape varieties that first originated in the Bordeaux region of France, as a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.  This red wine grape produces wines with high tannins and bold fruity flavour, delivering a fuller-bodied and complex taste profile that enhances even more when aged. The thick-skinned grapes result in reds with deep colour and remarkable structure.

Merlot is also a red wine grape variety that is derived from the French word for “blackbird,” which possibly indicates the grape’s dark blue colour or the birds that frequently feast on the ripe fruit. Merlot is a medium to full-bodied red wine that produces softer, rounder wines with lower tannin levels compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, making it easily accessible to wine drinkers of all experience levels.

What Are the Key Differences? Merlot vs Cab Sav

The differences and uniqueness between Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon extend beyond simple taste preferences:

• Tannin Levels: Due to thicker grape skins, Cabernet Sauvignon has much higher tannin content, which leaves your mouth feeling dry. Merlot has softer tannins that are more appealing to the palate.

• Body and Weight: Cabernet presents a full-bodied, bold character, while Merlot tends toward medium to full body with a velvety mouthfeel.

• Acidity: Cab Sauv typically has higher acidity, leading to its ageing potential and food-pairing versatility. Merlot features balanced acidity that results in its approachable nature.

• Flavour Intensity: The Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot comparison reveals that Cabernet delivers more concentrated, intense flavours, whereas Merlot offers softer, more rounded taste profiles.

• Ageing Potential: Cabernet Sauvignon wines often enhance in profile over decades of ageing, while Merlot is generally ready to drink as fresh and young, though quality red wines can also age gracefully.

• Growing Conditions: Cabernet thrives in warmer climates with well-drained soils, while Merlot loves to grow more readily in cooler regions and ripens earlier in the season.

A Quick Comparison Table of Merlot Vs Cabernet Sauvignon

Flavour Profiles: Cabernet Sauvignon Vs Merlot

Cabernet Sauvignon - Deeper Layers of Flavour

Cabernet Sauvignon excites the palate with its bold and robust nature. The first sip gives off rich dark fruit flavours, primarily of blackcurrant and blackberry, followed by subtle nuances of black cherry. As the wine begins to open up, secondary flavours release aromas of cedar, tobacco, vanilla and occasionally eucalyptus or mint. Layers of spice, such as clove, black pepper, and sometimes a touch of dark chocolate or coffee, are added by oak ageing. The wine's natural acidity adds freshness and balance, while the high tannin content produces a firm structure that perfectly defines these flavours. While warmer climates create riper, jammy fruit expressions, cooler climates may offer herbal notes like bell pepper or green olive. The tannic sensation leaves a lasting impression that calls out for another sip or a perfectly paired meal. The finish is typically long and lingering.

Additiona Read: Difference between Shiraz vs Cabernet Sauvignon?

Merlot- An Elegant Yet Bold Depth

Merlot fascinated the sippers with its fruity and sophisticated character. The hallmark of quality, merlot difference between Merlot and Cabernet becomes immediately apparent in its softer presentation. While plum takes the centre stage, chocolate and mocha also sometimes appeal to the palate with oak influence, while herbal undertones of bay leaf or sage add. Medium acidity keeps the wine refreshing without the sharp brightness found in some Cabernets. Warmer climate Merlots develop richer, more concentrated flavours with hints of fig and prune, while cooler regions produce more elegant expressions with richer fruit and subtle earthiness. The finish is smooth and lingering, offering refined enjoyment without needing to be cellared.

Additional Read: Difference between Merlot vs Shiraz?

Top Regions To Savour Quality Reds

with oak influence, while herbal undertones of bay leaf or sage add

• Napa Valley, California: Produces rich and robust Cabernets with ripe fruit and luxurious texture, often commanding premium prices in the international market.

• Bordeaux, France: The legendary Left Bank regions of Pauillac, Margaux, and Saint-Julien craft structured, age-worthy blends where Cabernet Sauvignon dominates.

• Coonawarra, South Australia: Known for terra rossa soil that gives a distinctive eucalyptus note and elegant structure to Australian Cabernet, offering excellent value.

• Margaret River, Western Australia: A maritime-influenced region producing elegant and balanced Cabernet Sauvignon.

Merlot Regions

• Pomerol, Bordeaux: Home to the world's most prestigious Merlot-based wines, including the legendary Pétrus, showcasing the grape's ultimate potential.

• Barossa Valley, South Australia: Produces lush, fruit-forward styles with notes of plum and cassis.

• Margaret River, Australia: Offers refined, food-friendly Merlots with excellent balance and accessibility when you buy Merlot wine from this coastal region.

• Hawke's Bay, New Zealand: Thriving as a quality Merlot producer with wines show vibrant fruit and an approachable style at an incredible value.

Tannin and Texture: Understanding the Mouthfeel

The Merlot vs Cabernet debate often centres on how each wine feels in your mouth. Cabernet Sauvignon's small, thick-skinned grapes, which are rich in polyphenols, are responsible for its high tannin content. Particularly in young wines, these tannins produce a strong, occasionally bitter sensation that dries your mouth. Rich, fatty meals that mellow the tannins go well with this bold texture, drawing attention. These tannins gradually combine and soften as Cabernet ages, creating a silky complexity that characterises excellent mature bottles.

Whereas Merlot has large, thin-skinned grapes, so you get less tannin and a much softer texture right away. Sip it, and it feels smooth, almost velvety, gliding on your tongue without that mouth-drying feel you get from Cabernet. Honestly, Merlot’s easygoing style makes it enjoyable on its own; no need for an ideal dish to pair or years in the cellar. The texture lifts up the fruit flavours instead of overshadowing them, so everything feels balanced and elegant. Even when it’s young, Merlot usually feels refined and welcoming, and if you hang on to a great quality bottle, it turns silky and even more refined with age.

Structure and Drinkability: When to Drink Each

Cabernet Sauvignon packs a punch with its strong structure and those bold tannins, so it really comes alive at special dinners, especially when you’re serving rich, hearty meats. This wine doesn’t back down from bold flavours; it actually meets them head-on. If you’ve got a young bottle, decanting helps mellow out the tannins and brings out those hidden aromas. Most good Cabernets get even better after five or ten years in the cellar, and the truly premium reds can be enjoyed for decades, giving off intriguing notes of leather, cigar, and a bit of forest floor. Sure, you can sit and sip it slowly, thinking about life, but honestly, Cabernet is at its best when there’s good food on the table.

The Cab Sav vs Merlot comparison reveals Merlot's different drinking style. Merlot’s soft tannins and easygoing style make it a go-to for weeknight dinners, backyard get-togethers, or anytime you want a glass of something elegant that doesn’t feel too much to gulp. You can usually just open a bottle right after you buy Merlot; no need to wait years for it to mellow out. Sure, some good Merlots get even better with a few years in the cellar, but you don’t have to age them to enjoy what they offer. That’s the beauty of Merlot: it brings a touch of class without all the formality, whether you’re stretched out on the couch or having friends over for a laid-back meal.

Ideal Food & Wine Pairings

Cabernet Sauvignon Pairings

• Grilled Ribeye or T-bone Steak: The wine's tannins complement the charred, savoury flavours of perfectly cooked beef.

• Aged Cheddar or Aged Gouda: Hard, sharp cheeses match Cabernet's intensity and create a delightful flavour balance.

• Braised Lamb Shanks: The wine's structure and dark fruit notes harmonise beautifully with slow-cooked lamb.

• Mushroom-based Dishes: Portobello burgers or wild mushroom risotto give the earthy, umami qualities found in mature Cabernet Sauvignon.

Merlot Pairings

• Roast Chicken or Turkey: Merlot's medium body and soft tannins complement poultry without overwhelming the delicate meat flavours.

• Pork Tenderloin: The wine's plum and cherry notes pair perfectly with pork's subtle sweetness and tender texture.

• Tomato-based Pasta: Merlot's acidity balances tomato sauces while its fruit complements herbs like basil and oregano in Italian cuisine.

• Duck or Game Birds: Richer poultry benefits from Merlot's fruit-forward character and smooth texture, creating an elegant pairing.

• Soft to Semi-hard Cheeses: Brie, Camembert, or Gruyère work beautifully with Merlot's approachable tannins and fruity profile.

Choosing the Right Red

• Consider Your Meal: Match wine intensity to food richness, buy Cabernet Sauvignon for hearty dishes and Merlot for lighter preparations.

• Know Your Experience Level: If you're new to red wine, cab merlot vs merlot comparisons favour starting with Merlot's softer approachability before exploring Cabernet's complexity.

• Think About Timing: Need to drink tonight? Buy Merlot wine. Building a cellar for future occasions? Invest in quality Cabernet Sauvignon.

• Climate and Season: Lighter Merlot works wonderfully in warmer weather, while robust Cabernet suits cooler months and hearty seasonal dishes.

• Occasion Matters: Formal dinners and celebrations often call for structured Cabernet, while casual gatherings really need Merlot's easy-drinking nature.

• Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best wine is the one you enjoy. Experiment with both to discover your preferences across different producers and regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Cabernet Merlot?

If you are up for cabernet merlot Vs merlot, then the difference lies in the use of Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety blended with Merlot to make rich, robust yet smooth drinking red wine blend. This blend brings together Cabernet’s strong, tannic edge with Merlot’s easygoing, silky feel and ripe fruit flavours. You end up with a wine that’s rich and full, but still smooth enough to enjoy without feeling heavy. People love these blends, especially in Bordeaux-style wines. They hit that sweet spot between Cabernet’s boldness and Merlot’s softness, perfect if you want something balanced, not too intense, not too simple.

2. Is Merlot sweeter than Cabernet Sauvignon?

None of them can be said to be sweet or fall into the dessert wine category, as both are usually fermented to dryness. However, in terms of lightness and less complex taste, Merlot can have a perceived sweetness in comparison to Cabernet’s more deep and dark flavour profile, so rather than actual sugar content, the difference lies in texture and fruit expression.

3. Which wine is better for beginners?

For people who are new to red wine, merlot is typically a better starting point. Compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, which has a strong, tannic structure, it is less challenging due to its milder tannins, approachable fruit aromas, and silky texture. As your taste gets used to more rich, structured wines, switching from Merlot to Cabernet becomes easier. For more, check out our  blog: Smooth Red Wines for Beginners to Try in 2025

4. Can Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon be blended together?

Of course! These types are known for being used in Bordeaux blends, each of which adds qualities. Merlot contributes softness, fruitiness, and approachability, while Cabernet offers structure, tannins, and ageing potential. In order to produce well-balanced, complex wines that highlight the best aspects of both grapes, many winemakers across the world make similar blends, frequently using other varietals like Cabernet Franc.

5. How long can I cellar Cabernet Sauvignon versus Merlot?

Good Cabernet Sauvignon usually ages for 10 to 30 years or more, and given its strong acidity and tannin content, fine bottles can continue to improve for decades. Although great wines from leading growers can age longer, Merlot typically peaks in 5 to 15 years. For both to reach their maximum potential over time, appropriate storage conditions with constant humidity and temperature are essential.

6. What is the difference between merlot and cabernet in terms of alcohol content?

Although this varies by region and vintage, both wines usually have alcohol contents between 13 and 15.5%. Examples of both types in warmer climates typically have more alcohol content, but those in colder climates tend to generate more moderate levels. The structure of each wine primarily affects how alcohol is perceived; Merlot's smoothness occasionally highlights alcohol, while Cabernet's tannins may mask it.

Maybe you love Cabernet Sauvignon’s bold attitude, or maybe you’re more of a Merlot fan, drawn to its smooth, easygoing style. Either way, there’s a whole world of flavour to discover. When you know the difference between Cabernet, Merlot, and their blends, picking the right wine for any moment just gets easier, and honestly, a lot more fun. Every bottle has its own story, shaped by the place it comes from, the year the grapes grew, and the winemaker’s unique touch.

If you’re looking to find your next favourite red, take a look at Just Wines. We bring you a curated lineup of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from Australia and New Zealand’s best wine regions and beyond. Whether you’re shopping for a dinner party, stocking up your cellar, or just want something nice to sip on a quiet night, you’ll find top-notch bottles here at incredible wine deals. Plus, with delivery straight to your door anywhere in Australia, trying something new couldn’t be easier. Go ahead, browse the collection and buy red wine that matches your vibe. Your next great red is waiting. Cheers!