When To Choose Merlot Over Cabernet – And Vice Versa

Most people find it overwhelming to hear about the different wine varieties. Among the most frustrating things about obtaining literacy about wines is that the most basic information can sometimes be very complicated.

However…

Picking the right wine for the right event will require adeptness. Maybe you’d like to know when exactly you pick Merlot over Cabernet and vice versa?

It's a kind of question that could have more than one answer, which probably makes learning about wine a daunting task. Therefore, let’s find out how to make the best choice between these two renowned wines, as detailed here.

Different Wine Types

There’s more to identifying a wine than merely distinguishing it by the differences in colors. Understanding that each type of wine has its distinct character can help you decide which wine to choose. Here are the various wine types:

Red Wines: It results from dark-skinned grapes’ fermentation, which also explains its color and the mouth-drying sensation in every sip. Red wines can have varying sweetness levels, and they could also be try. This kind of wine is best to serve during the latter part of the meal.

White Wines: Removing the skins within a few hours of pressing results in the wine’s light color and a low-tannin content. White wines can have varying flavors that can be light, zesty, and creamy; they are also best to serve before you have the main course.

Fortified Wines: A still wine with additional alcohol content and fortified with spirits. Some are sweet, but most fortified wines are on the drier side. It can satisfy a wide array of taste buds.

Sparkling Wines: It is a carbonated wine produced from either white or red grapes. Sparkling wines differ in styles; they can be sweet, bubbly, dry, or frizzy in various tastes and aromas.

Rosé Wines: This kind of wine closely resembles the taste profile of red wine, but its winemaking process is similar to that of white wine. Rosé wines have a fresh and tangy taste. It can range from dry to sweet wine, depending on the type of grapes used in production.

What Are The Significant Factors Worth Considering When Choosing The Best Red Wine?

Choosing between two red wines is all about the taste. Some people prefer their wine sweet, while some like dry wines.

Each wine is distinctive and has a wide variety of flavors for every taste bud. The exciting news is, you don’t have to be an expert to know your way around wine; it is for everyone, and anyone can learn about it.

Here are a few tips you need to consider when choosing between wines:

Wine Region

It is essential to determine the region where the wine came from since it has a significant impact on its taste.

The diversity in regions, soil types, and farming practices affects the grape’s taste profile and can help you choose wine depending on your needs and preferences. You will typically see this information on wine labels.

Grape Variety

While you might already know that you prefer red over white, but picking which red wine you need can be confusing sometimes. You can try experimenting with different varieties and focus more attention on each wine’s characteristics.

Food Pairing

Having a perfect balance is everything. Whether it’s relationships, music, and daily activities, everything needs the right balance, the harmony between different elements.

The same thing goes when you pair wine with food; hence, choosing a matching wine for your menu is crucial. Your dish’s flavors significantly influence your wine choices.

Price

Price is not an indicator of good quality. However, you also would need to consider how much you will pay for it. Set a price range so you can carefully plan how your budget allocation can meet your needs.

There are cases that a price can denote quality, but don’t let it dictate your wine selection.

Consider The Purpose And The Occasion

It is only wise to choose wine according to its intended use. Would you need it as a thoughtful gift or for an event you’re hosting at home?

There are no absolute rules on what wine you should have for an occasion, but some events might call for a specific kind of wine. Your crowd, the menu, and wine serving preference are essential factors worth considering as well.

Choosing Between Merlot And Cabernet

Merlot has a wide range of uses due to its low-tannin content; it has a tangy taste that’s not too sweet nor too dry.

Consequently, it is easier to pair with many different dishes and perfect for newbies who like Cabernet's flavor but prefer a more affordable option. You should choose Merlot if you’re a novice at drinking red wines.

Contrarily, Cabernet Sauvignon is bolder, dry but has a fruity taste. It may not be your best option if you plan to have a light meal, as it will overpower the dish's flavor. However, a cab works well when you pair it with more decadent meals.

You should choose Cabernet over Merlot if you prefer wines having rich textures and berry flavors and easily accessible in the market.

Final Thoughts

In summary, there are no right and wrong answers concerning wine selection. You only need to consider characteristics you don't like in a wine, and eventually, each bottle will get you closer to what you will enjoy the most.

Never hesitate to trust your taste buds; you can tell a better coffee from the best one in a similar manner you tell apart the better from the best among a wide selection of wines.

It’s perfectly harmless to be adventurous because it will help you decide on the right wine to pick. Remember that discovering savory surprises is what makes the wine more enjoyable.