Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are two of the best-known red wines, and although they’re often compared, they can feel quite different in your glass. Cabernet Sauvignon is usually firmer, bolder and more tannic, while Merlot tends to be softer, rounder and fruitier. If you’re deciding which sounds more like your kind of red, here’s how they compare.

Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot at a Glance

Please note: These are general characteristics, not fixed rules. Climate, growing region, winemaking techniques and oak ageing can all influence the final style of either wine.

What Does Cabernet Sauvignon Taste Like?

Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its bold fruit flavours, noticeable tannins and structured character. If you are comparing cab sav vs merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon will generally feel firmer and more powerful on the palate.

The wine is commonly associated with dark fruit flavours such as blackcurrant, blackberry and black cherry. Depending on the wine, you may also notice savoury notes of cedar, herbs, tobacco and spice. Oak ageing can add further layers, including vanilla, toast and chocolate.

Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its firm tannins. They’re what create that slightly dry, grippy feeling in your mouth and give the wine its bold, structured character. This can make Cabernet Sauvignon feel particularly powerful when it’s young.

Who Might Prefer Cabernet Sauvignon?

Cabernet Sauvignon could be your kind of wine if you enjoy bold reds, dark fruit flavours and a little more grip. It’s also worth trying if you like savoury, herbal or spicy notes alongside the fruit.

For more on the different styles of red wine available in South Africa, explore our guide to Exploring Dry Red Wine In South Africa. 

What Does Merlot Taste Like?

Merlot is generally associated with ripe fruit flavours, softer tannins and a smooth, rounded character. When comparing Merlot vs Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot typically feels softer and less structured on the palate.

Plum and cherry are some of Merlot's most recognisable fruit flavours, while blackberry and other red berries can also feature. Depending on the wine, you may also notice notes of chocolate, herbs and spice, adding depth to its fruit-forward character.

Merlot usually has softer tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon, giving it the smooth, rounded feel it’s known for. Many Merlots are also enjoyable while they’re still young, which helps make the variety such an approachable choice.

Who Might Prefer Merlot?

Merlot may be more your style if you like your reds smooth, fruity and easy to enjoy. Its softer tannins make it especially appealing if very firm or grippy red wines aren’t your thing.

For another useful red wine comparison, explore our guide to Merlot vs Shiraz: Exploring the Differences in Taste and Style.

What Are the Main Differences Between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot?

The main differences between Cabernet vs Merlot come down to body, tannins, acidity, fruit flavours and texture. While both can produce medium to full-bodied red wines, they tend to feel quite different in the glass.

Body

Both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot can be medium to full-bodied. Cabernet Sauvignon often feels more structured and powerful, while Merlot tends to feel rounder and softer. This doesn't mean Cabernet Sauvignon is always heavier, as the body of either wine can vary depending on how it is made.

Tannins

Cabernet Sauvignon generally has firmer, more noticeable tannins, while Merlot usually has softer tannins. Tannins create a drying, slightly grippy sensation on your gums and tongue, contributing to the wine's structure.

Acidity

Cabernet Sauvignon often has more noticeable acidity, which can add to its firm, structured feel. Merlot commonly feels a little softer and rounder, although acidity in both wines can vary depending on climate, ripeness and winemaking.

Fruit Flavours

Cabernet Sauvignon is commonly associated with darker fruit such as blackcurrant, blackberry and black cherry. Merlot often shows plum, cherry, blackberry and red fruit.

Some overlap exists between the two flavour profiles, so the distinction is not always dramatic. The style of the individual wine can influence which fruit flavours are most noticeable.

Texture

For beginners, texture can be one of the easiest ways to tell the two apart. Cabernet Sauvignon often feels firmer, more structured and more tannic, while Merlot tends to feel softer, rounder and smoother.

Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot: Food Pairings

When it comes to food, their different styles can help you decide which bottle to open. Cabernet Sauvignon’s firmer tannins work particularly well with rich meat dishes, while Merlot’s softer style makes it an easy match for a wider range of meals.

Cabernet Sauvignon Food Pairing

Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with richer foods such as steak, roast beef, lamb and burgers. Its bold fruit and firm tannins stand up well to rich, savoury dishes, while mature cheeses are another great match.

Merlot Food Pairing

Merlot is a versatile choice for dishes such as roast chicken, pork, lamb and pasta with meat sauces. It also pairs well with mushrooms and medium to mature cheeses. Its softer tannins and rounder structure make it easier to pair with a wider range of dishes, especially when you want a red wine that won't overpower the food.

For more guidance on matching wine with different dishes, explore our guide to How to pair wine with food.

So, Which Red Should You Choose?

If you love a bold red with dark fruit, firmer tannins and plenty of structure, Cabernet Sauvignon is likely to appeal to you. If you’d rather have something softer, smoother and fruitier, Merlot may be more your style.

Neither is the “better” wine. They’re simply different, and part of the fun is discovering which style you enjoy most.

If you’re in the mood to try something different, HER Wine Collection also has two South African reds to choose from: Pinotage and Shiraz. Explore the collection and find the one that sounds most like your kind of wine.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot

Which is sweeter, Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon?

Neither Merlot nor Cabernet Sauvignon is usually considered a sweet wine. Both are generally dry, although Merlot can taste fruitier and sometimes seem sweeter because of its softer tannins and ripe fruit flavours.

Which is smoother, Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon?

Merlot is generally smoother than Cabernet Sauvignon. Its softer tannins and rounder texture create a more approachable mouthfeel, while Cabernet Sauvignon tends to feel firmer and more structured. This makes Merlot a popular choice for drinkers who prefer a softer red with less noticeable tannin.

Which has more tannins, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot?

Cabernet Sauvignon generally has more noticeable tannins than Merlot. Tannins create the drying or grippy sensation you may feel on your gums and tongue, giving Cabernet Sauvignon its characteristic structure. Merlot's softer tannins generally result in a smoother, rounder drinking experience.

Which is better for beginners, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot?

Merlot is often an easy place to start because its softer tannins and rounder texture can make it feel smoother in the glass. But it really comes down to taste. If you already enjoy bold, structured flavours, you may find that Cabernet Sauvignon is more your style.

Is Cabernet Sauvignon more full-bodied than Merlot?

Not necessarily. Both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot can be medium to full-bodied, depending on the wine's growing region and winemaking style. Cabernet Sauvignon often feels more powerful because of its tannins and structure, but a rich, full-bodied Merlot can have just as much weight and intensity.

Which is better with steak, Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon?

Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic choice for steak because its bold fruit and firm tannins stand up well to rich red meat. A fuller-bodied Merlot can also work beautifully if you prefer something softer and rounder.

Which ages better, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot?

Both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot can age very well. Cabernet Sauvignon’s firm tannins and acidity often give it excellent ageing potential, but structured Merlot can also develop beautifully over many years. How well either wine ages depends on the quality, balance, region and winemaking style of the individual bottle.

Can Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot be blended together?

Yes. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are commonly blended together, including in Bordeaux-style blends produced in South Africa. Cabernet Sauvignon can add structure, tannins and darker fruit, while Merlot brings softness, ripe fruit and roundness to the blend.