Pinot Noir vs Merlot – Two Great Wine Varieties

Discover the fascinating differences between Pinot Noir vs Merlot, two of the most popular red wines in the world. Explore the characteristics of Pinot Noir grapes and Merlot wines, their unique flavor profiles, wine regions like Napa Valley and Bordeaux, and the best ways to enjoy these dry red wines. Learn how terroir affects their taste and uncover the best food pairings, from red meat to lighter dishes. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or a casual drinker, this guide offers insight into these distinct varieties.

Wine can be both an enduring love relationship and an arduous challenge, but when you finally open the bottle, you have decided, it should always be all about delight and enjoyment. For many, finding the right grape variety, wine region, and perfect pairing can feel daunting, whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or just beginning your exploration into the world of wines. However, a great starting point is with two of the most popular red wines in the world—Pinot Noir vs Merlot. These wines are beloved by both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike, each offering distinctive traits that set them apart.

The environmental factors that affect grape growing—plays a critical role in shaping these two varieties. While some grapes, like Cabernet Sauvignon, can thrive almost anywhere, both Pinot Noir and Merlot depend heavily on the specific conditions of their growing regions to develop their unique characteristics. In fact, location is everything when it comes to winemaking.

Pinot Noir is well-suited for cooler climates, where these delicate grapes retain their vibrant acidity and nuanced flavors. When grown in warmer climates, the fruit can become overripe, losing acidity and balance, which impacts the complexity of the wine. Originating from the Burgundy wine region, Pinot Noir is one of the most prized and sought-after red wines globally. Its thin skins and tight grape clusters make it notoriously difficult to grow, earning it the nickname "heartbreak grape." Yet, its versatility allows it to be made into sparkling wines or even white wines—perfect for those who are new to exploring Pinot Noir.

On the other hand, Merlot is a versatile grape that thrives in a variety of climates. Though it originated in Gironde, France, it’s now grown in Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Washington State, and wine regions across the globe. Merlot ripens earlier than other Bordeaux grapes and is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc to round out flavors. As the second most planted grape in the world, Merlot’s velvety texture and approachable tannins make it a favorite for red wine lovers, whether as a varietal wine or as part of a blend.

In their finest forms, both Merlot and Pinot Noir can produce wines capable of aging for decades, giving them a complexity and richness that only time can enhance.

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love These Wines
• Primary Flavors Found in Pinot Noir vs Merlot
• Wine Tasting Tips
• Wine Serving Tips
• Where are Pinot Noir and Merlot Grapes Grown
• Best Food Pairings with Pinot Noir vs Merlot
• Other Great Food Pairings with Pinot Noir vs Merlot
• Pinot Noir vs Merlot – Why Choose One Over the Other?
• More Wine Pairings and Wine Articles
• FAQ's

Why You Will Love These Wines

Pinot Noir

• Known as the “Seductress of All Wines,” it captivates with its elegance and complexity. Most wine drinkers, whether they are novices or connoisseurs, absolutely love Pinot Noir.
• Younger Pinot Noir wines offer bright red fruit notes, while aged versions introduce smokey mineral layers. It’s an any-occasion wine that pairs well with fish, offering a lighter option even in summer.
• High-quality Pinot Noir, especially from the cooler climates of New Zealand or France, is elegant and complex, and ages beautifully, developing earthy and mineral notes over time.
• Pinot Noir’s high demand drives prices between $25 and $1000+.
• If you are stuck and unsure which wine to serve, you can usually get away with serving a Pinot Noir wine.

Merlot

• France's most planted grape variety, Merlot is renowned for its graceful red wines. In cool climates, Merlot delivers tangy flavors like red cherries and chocolate with balanced acidity and soft tannins.
• An entry level Merlot is the perfect choice for a weeknight easy-going supper. It is ideal to serve with simple, everyday meals like pizza.
• A Merlot-dominated blend is more suitable for heavier dinner party dishes. It complements more substantial dishes such as roast turkey and rack of lamb.
• Good quality Merlot wine is available from $15 offering great value.
• Its velvety texture and versatile taste profile have made Merlot a favorite among wine enthusiasts and a staple in the world of red wine.

Primary Flavors Found in Pinot Noir vs Merlot

Pinot Noir

• Delicate red fruit aromas like red cherry, raspberry, and strawberry.
• Floral notes of rose and violet, with earthy undertones such as mushroom and forest floor.
• The flavor profile varies by region and winemaking style, often featuring fruity red fruits, subtle spice, and minerality.
• Cool-climate Pinot Noir is more acidic with bright fruit flavors, while warmer-climate versions showcase riper characteristics like black cherry and a richer texture.

Merlot

• Flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and plum dominate, often complemented by herbs, graphite, and a smoky or chocolaty finish.
• Merlot can range from smooth, easy-drinking styles to more full-bodied, sophisticated wines.
• In warmer climates, Merlot tends to have smoother tannins, higher alcohol content, and a more full-bodied structure.

Wine Tasting Tips

Pinot Noir

• Profile: Pinot Noir is a medium dry wine.
• Body: It is a light to medium-bodied red wine.
• Tannins: It has medium tannins.
• Acidity: It has high acidity.
• Alcohol: The alcohol content ranges from 13.5% to 14.5%.

Merlot

• Profile: Merlot is a dry wine.
• Body: It is a medium to full-bodied red wine.
• Tannins: It has medium to high tannins.
• Acidity: It has medium acidity.
• Alcohol: The alcohol content ranges from 13.5% to 15%.

Wine Serving Tips

Pinot Noir

• Temperature: Serve at 60°F / 16°C.
• Decanting: Don't decant (controversial subject, decanting might help open its complexities).
• Glass type: Aroma catcher.

Merlot

• Temperature: Serve at 60 – 68°F / 15 – 20°C.
• Decanting: Decant aged Merlot for 30 minutes.
• Glass type: Oversized glass.

Where are Pinot Noir and Merlot Grapes Grown

Pinot Noir

• France: It is widely grown in the Burgundy region.
• Germany: The Ahr region is a prominent region for Pinot Noir.
• United States: Pinot Noir is grown in Willamette, Oregon and the Sonoma Coast, California.
• New Zealand: Pinot Noir  cultivated in the Marlborough and Central Otago wine regions.

Merlot

• France: Merlot is widely grown in Bordeaux, Pomerol, and Saint-Emilion.
• Italy: Tuscany and Friuli are prominent regions for Merlot in.
• United States: Merlot is grown in Napa Valley, California and Columbia Valley in Washington State.
• Chile: Merlot is cultivated in the Central Valley and Maipo Valley regions.

Best Food Pairings with Pinot Noir vs Merlot

Pinot Noir

• A perfect match with duck, as the wine’s acidity balances the richness of the meat while the red fruit notes enhance the flavors.
• It pairs wonderfully with Gruyère de Comté cheese, from the same region as Pinot Noir vineyards in Burgundy.
• Also, enjoy it with lightly spiced Thai food, especially dishes that are flavorful but not too heavy.

Merlot

• Merlot’s versatility allows it to complement a wide variety of foods, making it a go-to wine for many dishes.
• For an easy-drinking entry-level wine, Merlot is a great pairing with pizza, chicken, or pasta, offering smooth tannins and a soft texture.

Other Great Food Pairings with Pinot Noir vs Merlot

Pinot Noir

• The bright acidity and delicate fruit flavors of Pinot Noir make it an excellent match for poultry dishes such as roast chicken or turkey.
• Its versatility extends to seafood, pairing beautifully with salmon, trout, and other fatty fish. Earthy notes and acidity create a harmonious balance with the richness of the fish.
• Mushroom dishes are a natural pairing, with the earthy undertones of the wine enhancing dishes like mushroom risotto, pasta with wild mushrooms, or a mushroom and goat cheese tart.
• Pinot Noir is a great choice to pair with aged cheddar cheese and freshly baked bread. If you add a little thyme, it will make it even better.
• Grilled polenta with charred vegetables, mushrooms, and burrata is a delicious vegetarian option that highlights the fruity flavors in Pinot Noir.
• With its smooth tannins, Pinot Noir is a great wine to pair with crayfish tagliatelle.
• Try French onion soup with a glass of Pinot Noir.  You will not be disappointed.

Merlot

• Beef and lamb dishes like beef tenderloin, lamb chops, or braised short ribs are perfect companions for Merlot’s soft tannins and ripe fruit flavors. The plush texture enhances the savory depth of the meat.
• Merlot also complements pasta with tomato-based sauces, where the wine’s fruitiness balances the acidity of dishes like spaghetti bolognese or try it with our homemade Napolitana Sauce.
• For a comforting match, pair Merlot with coq au vin, using the wine in the dish and alongside it.
• Soft cheeses like brie, camembert, and gouda are also ideal, with Merlot’s fruit-forward profile enhancing the creamy texture of the cheese without overwhelming the palate.
• Cured Meats on a Charcuterie platter make a delightful hors d’oeuvre with Merlot.

Pinot Noir vs Merlot – Why Choose One Over the Other?

Pinot Noir – A Delicate and Complex Wine

Ideal for wine lovers, Pinot Noir is an any-occasion wine, even perfect for summer. It pairs well with almost any dish, from fish to vegetables, meat, and cheese. Pinot Noir offers one of the most exciting journeys in the wine world, with distinct regional varieties, vineyard-specific characteristics, and producer styles. You can’t go wrong with a glass of Pinot Noir.

Merlot – A Versatile and Elegant Wine

Versatile and flavorful, Merlot is often a better choice for beginners. Known for its soft, medium-bodied profile, Merlot is easy to pair with a wide range of foods. Some of the most sought-after wines in the world, like Petrus and Masseto, are Merlot-based, showcasing just how great this wine can be.

Whether you’re looking for a soft, medium-bodied wine with fruity notes, or a more delicate wine with vibrant acidity and earthy flavors, both Merlot and Pinot Noir have plenty to offer. Neither will disappoint.

More Wine Pairings and Wine Articles

FAQ's

Pinot Noir

Merlot

Whether you prefer the elegance and complexity of Pinot Noir or the approachable, smooth profile of Merlot, both wines offer a unique and rewarding experience for wine lovers. Each variety shines in different regions and pairs beautifully with a wide range of foods, from light dishes to hearty meals. Explore these popular red wines and find your favorite by trying different styles and regions.

Cheers to discovering the wonderful world of wine!