When it’s time for you to order wine at a restaurant or uncork a bottle at a dinner party, I want you to be able to make your choice with confidence! If you’re looking for a red wine but can’t decide between Pinot Noir and Merlot, read on!
Both are fruity, dry wines, but there are a few things to consider when making your choice! In this blog post you can read all about the subtle and not so subtle differences between Merlot and Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir vs. Merlot Flavor Comparisons
It’s no secret that I love you Pinot Noir! It’s a complex and intriguing wine and I’ve had enough of it Recommendations for every budget!
This light red wine carries fruity and earthy qualities. Fruitier notes at play in the glass include cherry, strawberry, and cranberry. Perhaps you can also detect aromas of violets, mushrooms and spices!
In terms of appearance, Pinot Noir is usually paler or more translucent in color. If you’re enjoying a really dark glass, chances are it’s been mixed with a darker variety.
Similar to Pinot Noir, Merlot is also known for its fruitiness. Dominant aromas in Merlot are raspberry, black cherry and sugar plum. Other notes you might pick up are dark chocolate and cedar!
Aside from both being known for their fruitiness, the similarities between these two wines stop there. While Pinot Noir is known as a light red wine, Merlot is a heavy, medium-bodied wine. Merlot also has more tannins and a higher alcohol content than Pinot Noir – but it doesn’t carry as much acidity!
Known for being an easy grape, it ripens quickly. So if you come to the wine shop you will be able to find Merlots from all over the world! And don’t believe the myth that all Merlots are expensive – I have plenty of them great recommendations that won’t break the bank.