Comparison
Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot — What's the Difference?
Cabernet-sauvignon and merlot occupy adjacent territory in the same category — they share a base lineage but diverge on fermentation character, bitterness, body, or ABV. This page puts the data side by side so you can see exactly where they differ on flavour profile, strength, and typical serve.
Option A
Cabernet Sauvignon
Option B
Merlot
Quick verdict
Cabernet Sauvignon is Full-bodied; Merlot is Medium-bodied.
Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot — at a glance
| Detail | Cabernet Sauvignon | Merlot |
|---|---|---|
| Drink type | Wine | Wine |
| ABV range | 12–14.5% ABV | 12–14.5% ABV |
| Body | Full | Medium |
| Color | Red | Red |
| Sweetness | Dry | Sweet |
| Acidity | Medium-low | Medium-low |
| Flavors | Black Fruit, Oak, Tannic | Black Fruit, Red Fruit |
| Food pairings | Cheese, Cheese Board, BBQ | Cheese, Cheese Board, Burgers |
| Production method | Red wine grapes are crushed and fermented on skins to extract colour, tannin, and structure; many examples are aged in oak or blended with other Bordeaux varieties. | Still red wine fermentation. |
— = data not available for this style.
Character difference
→ Cabernet Sauvignon
A full-bodied red wine with firm tannins and high acidity. It has flavors of black currant, black cherry, and cedar.
→ Merlot
A medium-bodied red wine with soft tannins and high acidity. It has flavors of black cherry, plum, and chocolate.
When to choose each
→ Cabernet Sauvignon
- Reach for Cabernet Sauvignon when you want something stronger and spirit-adjacent
→ Merlot
- Reach for Merlot when you want something stronger and spirit-adjacent
Food pairings
Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cheese
- Cheese Board
- BBQ
- Korean BBQ
- Lamb
Merlot
- Cheese
- Cheese Board
- Burgers
- Lamb
- Steak
Methodology
Frequently asked questions
- What is cabernet sauvignon?
- Cabernet sauvignon is a wine style with a specific set of flavor characteristics, production conventions, and typical ABV range. The profile card on this page summarises its key attributes from WhatDrink data.
- What is merlot?
- Merlot is a distinct wine style. The comparison on this page shows how it differs from cabernet sauvignon on flavor, body, bitterness, and other sensory dimensions.
- What is the main difference between cabernet sauvignon and merlot?
- The comparison table above highlights the most meaningful differences — flavor direction, body, typical ABV, and food pairing fit. The two styles may overlap in some areas while differing significantly in others.
- What does cabernet sauvignon taste like?
- Cabernet sauvignon has a characteristic flavor profile shaped by its ingredients and production method. The sensory profile bars on this page show its relative sweetness, bitterness, body, and other dimensions from WhatDrink data.
- When should I choose cabernet sauvignon over merlot?
- The "When to choose" section above gives a side-by-side guide based on occasion, flavor preference, and food pairing. Neither style is universally better — it depends on context and personal taste.
- Which is stronger — cabernet sauvignon or merlot?
- Typical ABV ranges for both styles are shown in the comparison table. Strength varies between producers, so always check the specific product you are pouring.
- What foods pair with cabernet sauvignon and merlot?
- Food pairing suggestions for both styles are drawn from WhatDrink data and shown in the comparison section. The two styles may overlap on some pairings while suiting different foods in other cases.