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Merlot vs Malbec - Differentiating the Two Premium Red Wines

Merlot and Malbec continue to dominate search trends and shopping carts as two of Australia's most beloved premium red wines. Whether you're planning an intimate dinner party, searching for the perfect gift, or simply expanding your wine knowledge, understanding the differences between these two varieties has never been more relevant.

Both Merlot and Malbec are red grape varieties used to make red wines and blends. While Merlot has been around since 1784 with its first mention on a wine, Malbec has gone through a journey that’s highly appreciable and unparalleled, from its start in the 19th century, to a near-extinction, to its revival. People often get confused while blind-tasting Merlot and Malbec. It’s time we check out how these two grape varieties are different from each other.

For modern wine drinkers who value convenience, the ability to buy red wine online in Australia has transformed how we explore and enjoy premium bottles. But with so many options available, knowing which varietal suits your palate and occasion is essential.

This ultimate comparison will guide you through the flavour profiles, characteristics, food pairings, and buying considerations, when it comes to Malbec vs Merlot. By the end, you'll be excited  to try both types of red wine in one go.

Key Characteristics of Merlot

Colour: Merlot is a dark blue-coloured wine grape variety. It is commonly used both as a blending grape and as a standalone varietal wine. As a finished wine, Merlot typically shows a ruby red colour in the glass.

Taste Profile: As a varietal wine, Merlot is known for its soft, velvety texture with plum-driven flavours. It has medium tannins and delivers an elegant, smooth finish that makes it highly approachable.

Food Pairings: Light-bodied Merlot wines pair well with pizza, pasta dishes, and grilled chicken.

Medium-bodied Merlots work best with richer dishes such as steak, caramelised roast vegetables, or grilled mushrooms.

Popular Regions: Merlot grapes are produced in large quantities across Murray Darling–Swan Hill, Riverland, Riverina, Langhorne Creek, and Wrattonbully.

Land Under Plantings: Merlot is planted on about 8,477 hectares of land in Australia, accounting for roughly 6.3 % of the total vineyard area and nearly 9.8 % of all red wine varieties planted.

Grapes Crushed: In recent vintages (2024–25), around 80,000 tonnes of Merlot grapes have been crushed in Australia. The wine’s quality has continued to improve over the past decade, supported by advancements in vineyard management, regional refinement, and sustainable winegrowing practices.

Additional Read: Australia’s Best Merlot: A Complete Guide to Regions, Taste & Quality

Food Pairings That Work Best with Merlot

Light-bodied Merlot pairs beautifully with:

  • Roasted chicken with herbs

  • Mushroom risotto

  • Mild cheeses like brie or camembert

  • Tomato-based pasta dishes

Medium-bodied Merlot complements:

  • Duck breast with cherry sauce

  • Beef bourguignon

  • Pork tenderloin

  • Aged cheddar or Gouda

The best part about Merlot? It just fits. You can pour a glass with pizza on a random Tuesday night, or serve it alongside a big Sunday roast. That kind of flexibility keeps Merlot as a go-to for so many Australian wine lovers.

When to Buy Merlot Online

Merlot is the ideal choice for numerous occasions:

* Corporate gifts or client thank-yous

* Dinner parties with picky guests

* Cosy date nights at home

* Simple weeknight meals when you just want a good drop

* Stocking your wine rack with bottles that cover all bases

With Just Wines, you can buy Merlot online. Why? We ought to offer a broader selection, detailed tasting notes, vintage comparisons, and the convenience of Australia-wide home delivery. You’ll find bottles from boutique producers that never show up at your local shop.

When buying Merlot online in Australia, look for:

  • The vintage, most Merlots shine between three and seven years old, though top bottles age well

  • Tasting notes that talk about tannins and flavours, not just generic descriptions

  • Regional info, so you know what style you’re getting

  • Awards or ratings from trusted local reviewers

  • A bit about the producer, philosophy and reputation matters

Key Characteristics of Malbec

Colour: Malbec is a purple-coloured grape variety. Wines made from Malbec are known for their deep, inky dark appearance.

Taste Profile: Single-varietal Malbec wines are characterised by their dark colour, intense dark fruit flavours, robust tannins, and a distinctive smoky finish.

Food Pairings: Young and fruity Malbecs pair well with smoky cured beef, chilli con carne, fajitas, spaghetti, and meatballs. More heavyweight and premium Malbecs taste best alongside roast beef, dark chocolate, steak, and barbecued lamb.

Popular Regions: Malbec grapes are produced most extensively in Riverina, followed by Murray Darling–Swan Hill, Langhorne Creek, Padthaway, and Riverland.

Land Under Plantings: Malbec is planted on around 560-plus hectares of land in Australia, representing about 1 % or less of the nation’s red wine varieties planted, lower in volume but recognised for its high-quality expression.

Grapes Crushed: In recent vintages (2024–25), around 8,000+ tonnes of Malbec grapes have been crushed in Australia. The quality of Australian Malbec has continued to improve over the past decade, driven by a strong industry focus on sustainable viticultural practices and refined vineyard management.

Food Pairings That Work Best with Malbec

Young, fruit-forward Malbec pairs excellently with:

  • Beef burgers with blue cheese

  • BBQ ribs with smoky sauce

  • Grilled sausages

  • Pepperoni or meat-lovers pizza

Full-bodied, premium Malbec complements:

  • Dry-aged ribeye or porterhouse steak

  • Slow-cooked beef short ribs

  • Venison or game meats

  • Aged Manchego or Parmigiano-Reggiano

  • Grilled lamb chops with rosemary

Malbec’s magic lies in its power. The strong tannins slice through rich meat, and the deep fruit flavours stand up to char, smoke, and umami. Lighter wines get lost with a big steak, but Malbec? It shines bright.

When to Buy Malbec Online

Malbec is perfectly suited for:

  • Steak nights and backyard BBQs

  • Cosy nights when you want something warming

  • Impressing friends who love bold reds

  • Special occasions that call for a showstopper bottle

  • Building a collection of reds that age well

At Just Wines, you can buy Malbec online. Our exceptional selection of handpicked bottles from Australia and New Zealand’s top regions, and a smooth online wine shopping experience. From detailed tasting notes, vintage comparisons, to fast and reliable Australia-wide home delivery. You’ll find unique bottles that are hard to find at your nearest bottle shops.

Tips to buy Malbec online with confidence in Australia:

  • Check the oak presence, French and American oak change the flavour in different ways

  • Look at the alcohol percentage; 14.5% and up usually means a richer, more concentrated wine

  • Read up on vintage conditions for the region you’re buying from

  • Try buying a few different vintages to see how Malbec evolves

  • Look for review scores from critics who actually know Australian Malbec

Merlot vs Malbec: Quick Comparison Table

Feature

Merlot

Malbec

Colour

Medium to deep ruby-red

Deep inky purple to black

Body

Medium to full

Full

Tannins

Soft, velvety, refined

Firm, structured, gripping

Flavour Intensity

Medium to medium-plus

High

Primary Flavours

Plum, cherry, chocolate

Blackberry, black plum, cocoa, smoke

Alcohol Level

13-14.5%

13.5-15%

Food Pairing

Versatile, chicken, pork, mild dishes

Bold foods, steak, BBQ, game meats

Drinking Style

Approachable, everyday to premium

Statement-making, special occasions

Which Red Wine to Choose for the Best Drinking Experience? Malbec vs Merlot

Choose Merlot if you:

  • Looking for easy-going and approachable styles

  • Need a versatile drink for all kinds of palates

  • Elevating your wine cellar with age-worthy drops

  • Value elegance and well-rounded balance over boldness

  • Are new to red wine varieties and need something less overwhelming

Choose Malbec if you:

  • Prefer bold red wines with complex structure

  • Usually enjoy rich, grilled, or BBQ dishes

  • Those building a collection of age-worthy bottles

  • Are fond of structured and tannic wines

ADDITIONAL READ: Smooth Red Wines for Beginners to Try in 2026

FAQs

Which is sweeter, Merlot or Malbec?

Honestly, neither Merlot nor Malbec is actually sweet, they’re both dry reds. But here’s the thing: Merlot often comes across as fruitier and a bit softer, thanks to its plum notes and lower tannins. That makes some people think it’s sweeter, even though it isn’t. Malbec leans bolder, with darker fruit flavours and a firmer structure, so it tends to taste drier.

Is Merlot or Malbec better for beginners?

If you’re just getting into wine, Merlot is usually the easier pick. It’s smooth, easygoing, and the flavours are pretty versatile. You can pair it with all kinds of foods, and it doesn’t overwhelm your palate. Malbec, on the other hand, brings more intensity, bigger flavours, firmer tannins, which can feel a bit much when you’re starting out. Still, there are some fruit-driven Malbecs that are beginner-friendly.

Which wine has more tannins, Merlot or Malbec?

Malbec takes the lead here. Its tannins are firm and structured, giving you that grippy, full-bodied feel. Merlot’s tannins are much softer, which makes it feel velvety and smooth. This difference really shapes how each wine feels in your mouth and what foods they work best with.

Can Merlot and Malbec age well?

Both can age nicely, but they do it in their own ways. Good Merlot gets even smoother and more complex after five to ten years. Malbec, especially the high-end stuff, can age even longer, up to fifteen years, because of its strength and structure. But for most bottles you’ll find on the shelves, drinking them fresh within three to five years is the way to go.

What foods pair best with Merlot vs Malbec?

Merlot is super flexible, think chicken, pork, mushrooms, and tomato-based pastas. It fits right in with a lot of dishes. Malbec loves bigger flavours, so bring on the grilled steak, BBQ ribs, aged cheeses, and game meats. The rule is pretty simple: match the boldness of the wine with the intensity of the food.

Is Malbec stronger than Merlot?

Yes, Malbec is the strongest here. It usually packs more alcohol (13.5-15% compared to Merlot’s 13-14.5%), has a fuller body, deeper flavours, and firmer tannins. Merlot is all about balance and elegance, while Malbec goes for power and impact. If you want a wine that makes a statement, Malbec delivers.

Find Your Perfect Red with Just Wines

Merlot and Malbec couldn’t be more different, and that’s what makes them both so great. Merlot is smooth, approachable, and pairs with just about anything, so it’s a must-have for any collection. Malbec is bold and structured, perfect when you want to impress or just enjoy a hearty meal.

It really comes down to what you like, what you’re eating, and the kind of vibe you’re going for. But honestly, why pick just one? Both deserve a spot in your cellar, ready to make any occasion feel special.

Try both. Pour a glass of each, taste them side by side, and see which one wins you over.

Ready to explore? Browse our complete range to buy red wine online in Australia through Just Wines. Our exquisite collection features exceptional examples of both varietals, carefully selected to showcase what makes each grape special.

Find your next favourite red , and let every moment in 2026 feel a little more special with a glass of really good wine.

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