GRAPE COMPARISON
Cabernet Sauvignon is fuller-bodied, more tannic and higher in acidity, while Merlot is the softer, more easy-going of the two. Cabernet Sauvignon has more structure to age, while Merlot is the more approachable young.
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Typical profiles — individual bottles vary by producer, region and vintage.
| Attribute | Cabernet Sauvignon | Merlot |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Full | Medium–full |
| Tannin | High | Medium |
| Acidity | Medium–high | Medium |
| Sweetness | Dry | Dry |
| Typical ABV | 13.5–15% | 13–14.5% |
| Signature flavours | blackcurrant, black cherry, cedar, graphite, tobacco | plum, black cherry, chocolate, bay leaf |
| Classic regions | Bordeaux (Left Bank), Napa Valley, Coonawarra, Maipo Valley | Bordeaux (Right Bank), Tuscany, Napa Valley, Chile |
| Great with | ribeye steak, roast lamb, aged hard cheese | roast chicken, pork tenderloin, mushroom dishes |
Cabernet Sauvignon
The full-bodied, firmly tannic benchmark red built for the cellar.
Merlot
Softer, rounder and plummy — the approachable everyday red.
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Cabernet Sauvignon is fuller-bodied, more tannic and higher in acidity, while Merlot is the softer, more easy-going of the two. Cabernet Sauvignon has more structure to age, while Merlot is the more approachable young. Both are typically dry red wines.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the fuller-bodied of the two (full vs medium–full).
Cabernet Sauvignon has firmer tannins (high), while Merlot is softer (medium) and easier to drink young.
Cabernet Sauvignon suits ribeye steak, roast lamb and aged hard cheese; Merlot suits roast chicken, pork tenderloin and mushroom dishes.
Know what to open tonight — and never miss a wine at its peak.
Log what you open and Saignée learns which varietals you reach for — building your Palate from your real cellar, not a quiz guess.
Free Taster: up to 100 bottles · 20 AI scans · 10 pairings / month
Free forever · No credit card