The main differences between Merlot vs Pinot Noir are: :
- Merlot is known for its softness and fruitiness, whereas Pinot Noir is more earthy with smoked notes.
- Merlot is the most produced wine in France, whereas Pinot Noir is more delicate and needs cooler climates.
- Merlot is great to pair with meats and earthy sauces, whereas Pinot Noir is best with subtle flavours like cheese or spicy food.
Merlot and Pinot Noir make great red wine choices. Both have notably different flavors and are grown in different regions. The wine grapes have their signature flavors and characteristics that impart flavors, color, and texture to the wine.
Wine and Taste. Pinot Noir has a stronger flavor and lighter color than Merlot. It has medium to high acidity with a fruity taste of cherries, raspberries, and plums, and a hint of tea leaves or moist earth.
Merlot has a mild taste and aromas of blackberries, blueberries, plums, and a few herbal flavors too with less tannin and acidity. It has a deep color as compared to Pinot Noir, and is smoother and soft. It has a higher alcohol content.
Merlot wine has a similar flavor profile to Cabernet Sauvignon, but the Merlot grape has a thinner skin and tends to be less acidic due to softer tannins. It is also usually fruitier with a less complex body.
Which is better, Merlot or Pinot Noir?
Pinot Noir has a stronger flavor and lighter color than Merlot. It has medium to high acidity with a fruity taste of cherries, raspberries, and plums, and a hint of tea leaves or moist earth. It has a smooth and velvety texture and less tannin content. It has higher alcohol content as compared to other wines.
Cost. If you are going to an expensive restaurant, then Pinot Noir tends to cost more because of its limited production and rarity. Merlot is less expensive; however, the blended ones may cost more.
They are one of the best wines that go along well with food. Pinot Noir is often termed as the ‘demanding diva’, ‘liquid silk’, and ‘seductress’ of all wines. Merlot makes a good introductory wine for beginners because of its mellow and sweet taste. Both have higher alcohol content of about 12-13% in comparison to other wines.
The best combination with this diva of a wine is grilled salmon, chicken, lamb, and a few Japanese dishes like sushi rolls.
The wine grapes have their signature flavors and characteristics that impart flavors, color, and texture to the wine. The main difference lies in their tastes , which is because of the grapes that are used to prepare the wine.
Pinot Noir is a variety of red wine grape that is mostly grown in cooler regions all around the world. It primarily comes from the Burgundy region of France. It is also grown in California, Oregon, Washington, Australia, and New Zealand. It requires a cool season for a long time and is usually grown in limestone soil.
It is being cultivated since the 17th century, with Cabernet Franc being the father variety of this grape. It rose to popularity in the 1990s.
What is the difference between merlot and merlot?
Climate very much influences the flavour profile of the wine. With a cooler climate Merlot showcasing more earthy tones. Whereas a warmer climate Merlot , from regions such as Argentina, Australia, or California. These wines offer a deeper berry or fruity like flavour, and the alcohol content can be higher too.
According to wine historians, the first mentions of Merlot, was in 1784, when someone of great importance in Bordeaux stated that ‘Merlot was the finest wine of its time. ‘ The wine started to gain momentum and quickly began one of the most planted grapes in the Bordeaux region.
Both wines can easily accompany a meal and can be paired well with a variety of dishes. Thus making both the Merlot and the Pinot Noir the perfect wines to add to your collection if you enjoying hosting dinner parties.
Where Paul Giamatti’s character denounces Merlot as an inferior wine and started, somewhat of a cult following of the same belief. This movie played a major role in the sales and growth of both wines, causing Pinot Noir to skyrocket to stardom and the sales of Merlot to plummet shortly after the film hit the circuits.
However there was a moment in history where we faced losing this grape all together, In 1956 a cold freeze hit the Bordeaux wine region and many of the Merlot grapes were destroyed resulting in a loss of a large majority of decades vintages.
Merlot pairs well with most things from hearty pizza and pasta dishes, too roasts and bakes. A general rule is to pair Merlot with darker meats, however, a Merlot can balance a poultry dish with ease.
The movie ‘Sideways’ greatly affected Merlot sales, causing them to plummet shortly after the movie’s success.
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