<div class="wrapper"><div class="container"><div class="hero-wrapper"><div class="heroImgWrapper"><img alt="merlot-vs-pinot-noir.jpg" class="heroImg" decoding="async" height="201" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width:1024px) 93vw, 1028px" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/merlot-vs-pinot-noir.width-310.jpg" srcset="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/merlot-vs-pinot-noir.width-310.jpg 310w, https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/merlot-vs-pinot-noir.width-616.jpg 616w, https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/merlot-vs-pinot-noir.width-1028.jpg 1000w" width="310"></div><div class="with-sticky-wrapper"><article class="article-wrapper"><div class="hero-description-wrapper"><div class="heroDescriptions"><h1>Merlot Vs Pinot Noir: 8 Key Differences &amp; Similarities</h1><div class="author">by Anthony Zhang</div></div></div><div class="gupWrapper"><div class="mobile-gup"><p><i>Puzzled with the sizzling </i><a href="#merlot-vs-pinot-noir:-a-detailed-comparison"><i>Merlot Vs Pinot Noir</i></a><i> debate?</i></p><p>While Merlot, France's most planted grape variety, produces graceful red wines, Pinot Noir produces exceptionally silky red wines &#8212; the reason why it's called the &#8220;Seductress of All Wines.&#8221;</p><p>Let's uncover <a href="#merlot-vs-pinot-noir:-a-detailed-comparison">how Merlot and Pinot Noir compare with each other</a>. We'll then explore <a href="#4-exquisite-merlot-wines-(with-tasting-notes)">four stunning Merlot wines</a> and <a href="#4-enticing-pinot-noir-wines-(with-tasting-notes)">four elegant Pinot Noir wines</a>, including their complex tasting notes and prices.&#160;

We'll also see <a href="#cabernet-sauvignon-vs-merlot-vs-pinot-noir">how Merlot and Pinot Noir stack up against Cabernet Sauvignon</a>, the most planted grape variety in the world.</p><div class="calloutWrapper"><h3>Further reading</h3><ul><li>Uncover all there is to know about <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/red-wine">Red Wine</a>.</li><li>Also, explore the fizzy world of <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/sparkling-wine">Sparkling Wine</a>.</li></ul></div><h2 data-toc-link="link-1" id="merlot-vs-pinot-noir:-a-detailed-comparison">Merlot Vs Pinot Noir: A Detailed Comparison</h2><p>The differences and similarities between <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/merlot-wine">Merlot</a> and <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/pinot-noir">Pinot Noir</a> stem from their:</p><ul><li><a href="#1.-origins">Origins</a></li><li><a href="#2.-viticulture-and-terroir">Viticulture And Terroir</a></li><li><a href="#3.-appearance">Appearance</a></li><li><a href="#4.-tasting-notes">Tasting Notes</a></li><li><a href="#5.-sweetness">Sweetness</a></li><li><a href="#6.-food-pairings">Food Pairings</a></li><li><a href="#7.-aging-potential">Aging Potential</a></li><li><a href="#8.-price">Price</a></li></ul><h3 data-toc-link="link-5" id="1.-origins">1. Origins</h3><img alt="merlot-vs-pinot-noir-1.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="550" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/merlot-vs-pinot-noir-1.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>Both Merlot and Pinot grape varieties trace back their origins to France.&#160;</p><p>The first mention of the former red wine grape variety dates back to 1784, while Pinot Noir has been cultivated by the Burgundian monks since 1000 AD.</p><p>Merlot has remained a key blending grape (with <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/cabernet-sauvignon-wine">Cabernet Sauvignon</a>) in <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/bordeaux-wine">Bordeaux wine</a>.&#160;</p><p>In the 1800s, American winemakers were so taken by the Merlot grape that they started making single varietal wine bottles using this red grape variety &#8212; which ultimately resulted in this varietal wine's popularity.</p><h3 data-toc-link="link-6" id="2.-viticulture-and-terroir">2. Viticulture And Terroir</h3><img alt="merlot-vs-pinot-noir-2.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="550" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/merlot-vs-pinot-noir-2.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>Merlot grapes grow well in both warm and cool climates, thriving in limestone and clay soils. It's the most planted grape variety in France and is popular in California (<a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/paso-robles-wineries">Paso Robles</a>, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomhyland/2019/07/18/merlot-in-napa-valleywill-it-ever-be-taken-as-seriously-as-cabernet-sauvignon/?sh=6bd449421174">Napa Valley</a>, etc.), South Africa, and Australia.</p><p>The finicky Pinot Noir grows best on sloping vineyards with good sunshine, and a cool climate - the reason why this grape variety finds home in Burgundy, Oregon, and Italy.</p><h3 data-toc-link="link-7" id="3.-appearance">3. Appearance</h3><img alt="merlot-vs-pinot-noir-3.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="550" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/merlot-vs-pinot-noir-3.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>Merlot is a blue-colored grape that produces deep ruby wines.&#160;</p><p>On the other hand, Pinot Noir is a black grape variety producing light red wines.</p><h3 data-toc-link="link-8" id="4.-tasting-notes">4. Tasting Notes</h3><img alt="merlot-vs-pinot-noir-4.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="550" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/merlot-vs-pinot-noir-4.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>Merlot wine is soft, medium-bodied, with low tannin and acidity. It has charming plum and pomegranate with red fruit and earthy flavors.</p><p>Pinot Noir is the smoothest red wine with a velvety texture and raspberry and plum flavors. It also seduces you with strawberry and red cherry aromas.&#160;</p><h3 data-toc-link="link-9" id="5.-sweetness">5. Sweetness</h3><img alt="merlot-vs-pinot-noir-5.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="550" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/merlot-vs-pinot-noir-5.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>Both Merlot and Pinot Noir are predominantly dry wines.</p><p>A 5-ounce pour of Merlot wine and Pinot Noir wine each has about 1 gm of residual sugar in it. However, some Merlot bottles may come across as a <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/sweet-red-wine">sweet red wine</a> due to its fruity flavor profile.</p><h3 data-toc-link="link-10" id="6.-food-pairings">6. Food Pairings</h3><img alt="merlot-vs-pinot-noir-6.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="550" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/merlot-vs-pinot-noir-6.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>Merlot and Pinot Noir wines pair best with cheese, beef, pork, poultry, mushrooms, and chocolate-covered strawberries.</p><h3 data-toc-link="link-11" id="7.-aging-potential">7. Aging Potential&#160;</h3><img alt="merlot-vs-pinot-noir-7.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="550" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/merlot-vs-pinot-noir-7.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>An exceptional bottle of Merlot from a prestigious producer can age for 10-20+ years.&#160;</p><p>On the other hand, fine Pinot Noir wines age gracefully for 15-20+ years.</p><h3 data-toc-link="link-12" id="8.-price">8. Price</h3><img alt="merlot-vs-pinot-noir-8.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="550" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/merlot-vs-pinot-noir-8.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>It&#8217;s not difficult to find a mass-produced Merlot or Pinot Noir for less than $20.</p><p>However, a bottle of fine Merlot can cost up to $12,500, while a bottle of brilliant Pinot Noir can cost upwards of $60,000.</p><p>Both Merlot and Pinot Noir wines can often be spotted at wine auctions. A case of 1982 Chateau Petrus Merlot was <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-06-29/petrus-1982-fetches-53-300-at-christie-s-paris-auction">sold for an enviable $53,330 at Christie's Paris Auction</a>. Also, in 2018, a bottle of 1945 Romani-Conti Pinot Noir was <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-10-15/most-expensive-bottle-wine-1945-romanee-conti-burgundy-auction">sold for a whopping $558,000 at a Sotheby's auction</a>.</p><h2 data-toc-link="link-2" id="4-exquisite-merlot-wines-(with-tasting-notes)">4 Exquisite Merlot Wines (With Tasting Notes)</h2><p>Here are<b> four</b> stunning Merlot wines worthy of your collection:</p><ol><li><a href="#1.-1982-le-pin-pomerol-france-(dollar12500)">1982 Le Pin</a></li><li><a href="#2.-1961-chateau-petrus-pomerol-france-(dollar11545)">1961 Chateau Petrus</a></li><li><a href="#3.-1990-masseto-toscana-igt-tuscany-italy-(dollar1684)">1990 Masseto Toscana IGT</a></li><li><a href="#4.-2016-arietta-'hudson-vineyard'-california-usa-(dollar85)">2016 Arietta 'Hudson Vineyard'</a></li></ol><h3 data-toc-link="link-13" id="1.-1982-le-pin-pomerol-france-(dollar12500)">1. 1982 Le Pin, Pomerol, France ($12,500)</h3><img alt="1982-le-pin-pomerol-france.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="550" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/1982-le-pin-pomerol-france.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>This full-bodied Bordeaux wine has melted caramel and blackcurrant aromas and ripe fruit flavors.</p><h3 data-toc-link="link-14" id="2.-1961-chateau-petrus-pomerol-france-(dollar11545)">2. 1961 Chateau Petrus, Pomerol, France ($11,545)</h3><img alt="1961-chateau-petrus-pomerol-france.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="550" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/1961-chateau-petrus-pomerol-france.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>This dazzling dry wine has a concentrated palate and a complex chocolate, sweet plum, and berry fruit bouquet.</p><h3 data-toc-link="link-15" id="3.-1990-masseto-toscana-igt-tuscany-italy-(dollar1684)">3. 1990 Masseto Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy ($1,684)</h3><img alt="1990-masseto-toscana-igt-tuscany-italy.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="550" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/1990-masseto-toscana-igt-tuscany-italy.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>On the palate, this Merlot wine is full-bodied, displaying rich fruit flavors. Its nose exudes blackberry and blueberry aromas.</p><h3 data-toc-link="link-16" id="4.-2016-arietta-'hudson-vineyard'-california-usa-(dollar85)">4. 2016 Arietta 'Hudson Vineyard', California, USA ($85)</h3><img alt="2016-arietta-hudson-vineyard-california-usa.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="550" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/2016-arietta-hudson-vineyard-california-usa.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>The wine's nose greets the wine drinker with crushed black and red plum aromas. Its palate is full-bodied with a spicy black fruit flavor.</p><h2 data-toc-link="link-3" id="4-enticing-pinot-noir-wines-(with-tasting-notes)">4 Enticing Pinot Noir Wines (With Tasting Notes)</h2><p>Here are<b> four </b>elegant Pinot Noir wines you should look out for:</p><ol><li><a href="#1.-1999-domaine-leroy-musigny-grand-cru-cote-de-nuits-france-(dollar66920)">1999 Domaine Leroy Musigny Grand Cru</a></li><li><a href="#2.-2015-domaine-de-la-romanee-conti-romanee-conti-grand-cru-cote-de-nuits-france-(dollar29272)">2015 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanee-Conti Grand Cru</a></li><li><a href="#3.-1999-domaine-georges-and-christophe-roumier-musigny-grand-cru-cote-de-nuits-france-(dollar17559)">1999 Domaine Georges &amp; Christophe Roumier Musigny Grand Cru</a></li><li><a href="#4.-2016-bodega-chacra-'treinta-y-dos-32'-rio-negro-argentina-(dollar104)">2016 Bodega Chacra 'Treinta y Dos 32'</a></li></ol><h3 data-toc-link="link-17" id="1.-1999-domaine-leroy-musigny-grand-cru-cote-de-nuits-france-(dollar66920)">1. 1999 Domaine Leroy Musigny Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France ($66,920)</h3><img alt="1999-domaine-leroy-musigny-grand-cru-cote-de-nuits-france.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="550" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/1999-domaine-leroy-musigny-grand-cru-cote-de-n.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>This <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/dry-red-wine">dry red wine</a> features black truffle and coconut aromas and raspberry and cherry flavors with bright acidity.</p><h3 data-toc-link="link-18" id="2.-2015-domaine-de-la-romanee-conti-romanee-conti-grand-cru-cote-de-nuits-france-(dollar29272)">2. 2015 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanee-Conti Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France ($29,272)</h3><img alt="2015-domaine-de-la-romanee-conti-romanee-conti-grand-cru-cote-de-nuits-france.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="550" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/2015-domaine-de-la-romanee-conti-romanee-conti.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>This seductive Pinot Noir wine reveals rose petal and blood orange aromas, silky palate, and red fruit flavor.</p><h3 data-toc-link="link-19" id="3.-1999-domaine-georges-and-christophe-roumier-musigny-grand-cru-cote-de-nuits-france-(dollar17559)">3. 1999 Domaine Georges &amp; Christophe Roumier Musigny Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France ($17,559)</h3><img alt="1999-domaine-georges-christophe-roumier-musigny-grand-cru-cote-de-nuits-france.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="550" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/1999-domaine-georges-christophe-roumier-musign.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>This stunning Pinot Noir <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/vintage-wine">vintage</a> has seductive black cherry and smoke aromas.</p><h3 data-toc-link="link-20" id="4.-2016-bodega-chacra-'treinta-y-dos-32'-rio-negro-argentina-(dollar104)">4. 2016 Bodega Chacra 'Treinta y Dos 32', Rio Negro, Argentina ($104)</h3><img alt="2016-bodega-chacra-treinta-y-dos-32-rio-negro-argentina.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="550" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/2016-bodega-chacra-treinta-y-dos-32-rio-negro-.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>Wine tasting reveals blackberry and blueberry aromas and a dense, fruity core &#8212; a must-try for every wine enthusiast.</p><p>One wine that competes with Merlot and Pinot Noir in popularity is Cabernet Sauvignon.</p><h2 data-toc-link="link-4" id="cabernet-sauvignon-vs-merlot-vs-pinot-noir">Cabernet Sauvignon Vs Merlot Vs Pinot Noir&#160;</h2><img alt="merlot-vs-pinot-noir-9.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="550" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/merlot-vs-pinot-noir-9.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>Just like Merlot and Pinot Noir, the red grape Cabernet Sauvignon is also wide grown around the world and makes a stunning variety of wines influenced by terroir and winemaking techniques.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/karlsson/2020/06/22/cabernet-sauvignon-the-worlds-most-planted-grape-variety/">Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety</a> displays a purple hue, with a deeper color intensity than Merlot and Pinot Noir grapes.</p><p>On the palate, Cabernet Sauvignon wines are the most tannic. They display notes of black cherry, blackcurrant, and cassis.&#160;</p><p>As for the aromatic profile, Cabernet Sauvignon wines offer hints of cedar and violets.</p><h2 id="buy-your-favorite-merlot-and-pinot-noir-wines-through-vinovest">Buy Your Favorite Merlot and Pinot Noir Wines Through Vinovest</h2><p>Merlot and Pinot Noir grapes are used to produce mesmerizing and highly sought-after red wines that make great long-term <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/investing-in-wine">investments</a>.</p><img alt="5fd27fd20590627c0262de43_meursault-wine-13.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="429" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/5fd27fd20590627c0262de43_meursault-wine-13.width-800.jpg" width="700"><p>A <b>reliable wine investment company </b>like <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/"><b>Vinovest</b></a> will help you buy and invest in <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H2WpLgTDmGF20NLsQT3Oq5T_ACJCRiCg4APa1NtTBaE/edit#heading=h.2a2dhbj45lj4">Pinot Noir</a>, <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H2WpLgTDmGF20NLsQT3Oq5T_ACJCRiCg4APa1NtTBaE/edit#heading=h.j02bk7kddjus">Merlot</a>, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Sirah, Zinfandel, or any other exquisite red wine effortlessly.</p></div></div></article></div></div></div></div><div class="related-wrapper"><div class="related-container"><h3>Related Articles</h3><div class="article-cards-wrapper"><a class="article-card-wrapper" href="/blog/nero-davola"><img alt="Nero d Avola 2019 Matriarch &amp; Rogue Nero d Avola Riverland" class="cardOfArticleImage" decoding="async" height="187" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/Nero-d-Avola-2019-Matriarch--Rogue-Nero-d-Avol.width-280.jpg" width="280"><div class="wrap "><h2 class="cardOfArticleTitle ">Nero d’Avola Wine: Regions, Taste, 10 Best Wines (2024)</h2><div class="author ">by Vinovest Council</div></div></a><a class="article-card-wrapper" href="/blog/petite-sirah"><img alt="Petite Sirah.jpg" class="cardOfArticleImage" decoding="async" height="187" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/Petite_Sirah.width-280.jpg" width="280"><div class="wrap "><h2 class="cardOfArticleTitle ">Petite Sirah (Where It Grows, 10 Best Wines, Prices 2024)</h2><div class="author ">by Anthony Zhang</div></div></a><a class="article-card-wrapper" href="/blog/merlot-wine"><img alt="Merlot (Wine Regions, Styles, Best Wines 2021)" class="cardOfArticleImage" decoding="async" height="187" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/600f4d1f1852664357f2d664_Merlot201.width-280.jpg" width="280"><div class="wrap "><h2 class="cardOfArticleTitle ">Merlot (Wine Regions, Styles, Best Wines 2024)</h2><div class="author ">by Anthony Zhang</div></div></a></div></div></div>

Merlot Vs Pinot Noir is an ongoing debate. See how they differ in their hues, winemaking, flavors, aging, pricing, and more, and how they compare with Cab Sauvignon.