Red Wine: Pinot Noir vs Merlot (Key Differences)

^{The following message is intended for those 21+. Please enjoy responsibly.}

There is an entire industry devoted to ‘making wine accessible.’ Why? Because there’s no getting around that wine can be a tricky thing to love. Finding the right grape, the right region and the right pairing to suit your personal preference can be a daunting task. This is true even for the most devoted wine enthusiasts, and doubly true for those who aren’t familiar with the fruit of the vine.

After all, is Merlot from Napa Valley all that different from Merlot grown in Burgundy? Why is one Pinot Noir labeled at ten dollars, and another at ten times that amount?

Can fermented grape juice (wine) ‘really’ smell like forest floor, the inside of a cigar box, and black cherry – all at the same time? And is anyone ‘really’ walking around sniffing cigar boxes or planting their faces on the floor of a forest to make those kinds of comparisons anyway?

The answer to all of those questions (except perhaps that very last one) is an assured “Yes.”

The best advice I can give anyone regarding wine is that the best way to start is with some of the most popular wines, and work your way down from there. For both casual imbibers and wine enthusiasts alike, Pinot Noir wines and Merlot wines are an excellent choice for doing just that.

In today’s red wine guide, we’ll be talking Pinot Noir vs Merlot. I’ll be giving you a crash course on both of the wines’ distinctive traits and characteristics and discussing what sets these two similar varietals apart. From the rolling hills of Burgundy to the sun-drenched valleys of California, we’ll also be delving into the effect that terroir and winemaking techniques have on shaping these two red wines.

Now, without further introduction, let’s get to it.

Pinot Noir and Merlot – Similarities and Differences

Let’s start at the beginning. Aside from being red wine grapes, what is Pinot Noir and what is Merlot? What are their main differences and similarities?

What does a good Pinot Noir or a good Merlot generally taste like? Does either wine qualify as being a dry red wine? A full-bodied red wine? What impact does terroir have on these grapes? And what are the most unique characteristics?

Those questions and more are what we’re answering below.

Pinot Noir:

• Characteristics: Pinot Noir grapes are known for their thin skin and susceptibility to disease, making them challenging to cultivate. However, when grown in the right conditions, Pinot Noir produces wines of exceptional elegance and complexity. Pinot Noir is prized for its delicate aromas, including red fruit (such as cherry, raspberry, and strawberry), floral notes (such as rose and violet), and earthy undertones (such as mushroom and forest floor).
• Flavor Profile: Pinot Noir wines typically exhibit a lighter body compared to Merlot, with high acidity and low tannin content. The flavor profile can vary depending on the region and winemaking techniques but often includes fruity flavors, especially red fruits, along with subtle spice and minerality. Cool-climate Pinot Noir tends to be more acidic with bright fruit flavors, while warmer-climate versions may display riper fruit characteristics and richer texture.
• Impact of Terroir: Pinot Noir is highly expressive of its terroir, meaning that the climate, soil, and topography of the vineyard have a significant influence on the resulting wine. Cool-climate regions like Burgundy, Oregon, and New Zealand produce Pinot Noir with bright acidity, elegance, and rich complexity. Warmer regions may yield riper fruit flavors and softer tannins.

Merlot:

• Characteristics: Merlot grapes are known for their thick skins and their ability to ripen earlier than many other red grape varieties. This makes them more resilient to adverse weather conditions. Merlot is characterized by its lush fruit flavors, soft tannins, and smooth texture. It is often used in blending but can also shine as a varietal wine.
• Flavor Profile: Merlot wines typically offer ripe fruit flavors such as plum, black cherry, and blackberry, along with notes of chocolate, mocha, and herbs. Compared to Pinot Noir, Merlot tends to have a fuller body, softer acidity, and rounder mouthfeel.
• Impact of Terroir: Though not nearly as finicky as Pinot Noir, terroir nevertheless plays a significant role in shaping the characteristics of Merlot wines. In Bordeaux, where Merlot is a key grape variety, the wine can range from elegant and fruit-driven in cooler areas like Saint-Émilion to rich and powerful in warmer regions like Pomerol. In regions like California's Napa Valley and Washington State, Merlot thrives in the areas’ diverse terroirs, producing wines with wildly varying styles and expressions.

Pinot Noir – The ‘Where’

Location is everything when it comes to winemaking, as only Cabernet Sauvignon grapes can truly flourish anywhere vines can be grown. For all other grapes, terroir plays kingmaker.

Pinot Noir tends to do well in wine regions with cooler climates. Cooler climates help preserve the delicate flavors and aromas characteristic of Pinot Noir, resulting in wines with vibrant acidity, nuanced fruit profiles, and elegant textures. Warmer climates can sometimes lead to overripe fruit flavors and loss of acidity, affecting the wine’s overall balance and complexity.

With that in mind, here are the wine regions currently producing what are considered to be the best pinot noirs.

1. Burgundy, France: One of the most renowned regions for Pinot Noir is the Burgundy region of France, particularly the subregions of Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune – which are essentially tailormade for the growing of quality Pinot Noir. Here, the limestone-rich soils and moderate maritime climate provide the perfect conditions for producing some of the most sought-after Pinot Noir wines in the world. Overall, Burgundy pinot noirs are known for their elegance, complexity, and age-worthiness.
2. Willamette, Oregon: Outside of France, Oregon's Willamette Valley has emerged as a premier destination for Pinot Noir enthusiasts – as well as a magnet for global pinot noir talent. The region's diverse microclimates and volcanic soils create a mosaic of terroirs that yield wines with vibrant fruit flavors, balanced acidity, and silky textures. Within Willamette Valley, subregions like Dundee Hills, Yamhill-Carlton, and Ribbon Ridge are particularly celebrated for their exceptional Pinot Noir expressions.
3. Sonoma Coast, California: In California, the Sonoma Coast stands out as a top producer of Pinot Noir globally. This comes courtesy of the region’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean, and the area’s cool maritime influences. Subregions such as the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast AVA, and Santa Lucia Highlands are renowned for crafting Pinot Noir wines with intense red fruit flavors and supple tannins, that give Californian pinot noir a distinct sense of place – that is, you can almost always ‘tell’ a Californian pinot noir, and that’s a sign of excellence.
4. South Island, New Zealand: Moving across the globe, New Zealand's South Island, particularly the Marlborough and Central Otago regions, has garnered acclaim for its vibrant and fruit-forward Pinot Noir wines. The cool maritime climate of Marlborough and the continental climate of Central Otago impart distinct characteristics, ranging from bright red fruit to earthy flavors and spice.

Food Pairings – Pairing Pinot Noir and Merlot

Now that we’ve discussed the chief characteristics and top regions for Pinot Noir and Merlot, let’s cover the fun stuff – food pairings.

Food Pairings for Pinot Noir:

• Poultry: Pinot Noir's bright acidity and delicate fruit flavors make it an excellent match for white meats, especially poultry dishes, such as roast chicken or turkey. Lighter duck recipes also work beautifully. The wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the meat, while its red fruit notes deliciously complement the flavors.
• Salmon and Other Fatty Fish: Pinot Noir's versatility extends to seafood, particularly fatty fish like salmon. The wine's acidity and earthy undertones pair well with the richness of the fish, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Consider a creamy risotto infused with salmon broth and topped with flaked grilled salmon as a luxurious pairing with Pinot Noir. Trout almondine is a classic pinot noir pairing, featuring features pan-seared trout topped with toasted almonds and a lemon-butter sauce. Cedar planked salmon, seared tuna with herbs, and grilled shark are all potential pairings.
• Mushroom Dishes: The earthy and mushroom notes often found in Pinot Noir make it a natural pairing for mushroom-based dishes such as mushroom risotto, pasta with wild mushrooms, or mushroom and goat cheese tart. The wine's flavors echo those of the mushrooms, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Food Pairings for Merlot:

• Beef and Lamb: Merlot's soft tannins and ripe fruit flavors complement red meat dishes such as beef tenderloin, lamb chops, wild boar, and steak. The wine's plush texture and fruity profile enhance the savory flavors of the meat, creating a luxurious pairing. Lamb moussaka is a delightful Merlot pairing, as the layers of spiced lamb, eggplant, and creamy béchamel sauce in moussaka call for a wine with depth and richness. Braised short ribs are another timeless pairing, either grilled on the barbecue or baked in the oven. A succulent beef tenderloin and simple grilled lamb chops are all perfect pairings.
• Pasta with Tomato-Based Sauces: Merlot's ripe fruit flavors and moderate acidity make it an ideal match for pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces, such as spaghetti bolognese or penne arrabbiata. The wine's fruitiness balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall depth of the dish.
• Soft Cheeses: Merlot's approachable nature and smooth texture make it a great companion for soft cheeses like brie, camembert, or gouda. The wine's fruit-forward profile complements the creamy texture of the cheese, while its gentle tannins provide structure without overwhelming the palate.

If You Enjoyed This Article…

And that’s our red wine guide. If you enjoyed this article, and want more content like it, be sure to check out our Red Wine Guide, where we provide you with a crash course on the key differences between Malbec and Merlot, along a variety of pairing suggestions.

Also consider checking out our Ultimate Wine Pairing Guide, where we provide you with a crash course that will have you pair wine and food like a master sommelier in no time! From learning how to pair white wines with more than just fish and salad, to covering the ins and outs of the perfect accompaniment for Bordeaux Blends, and deciphering the tricky-yet-delicious to pair pinks, this guide has got you covered.

Cheers!