Rather than emphasizing a single varietal (i.e., one type of grape), you will find several types of grape in a French wine glass. The French approach to Cabernet-based red wine is a bit different. For many red wine lovers, a California Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent choice for a sophisticated wine. In contrast, French wine bottle labels are less likely to display that information because the emphasis is on the producer.Ī Cabernet-Based red wine from California has a few tendencies – expect it to be fruit forward (i.e., fruit is the most dominant taste) and have medium to high tannin levels. A California bottle of wine is likely to show Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon prominently on the label. This difference extends to wine labels as well. In contrast, French wine is generally defined by terroir (i.e., geography) more than grape variety. In a restaurant, you might ask for a Merlot type of wine, for example. In Canada and the United States, it is common practice to focus on the wine varietal. Let’s take a quick look at how American wine producers approach these grapesīefore you head out to buy wines from California, Washington State, or the French wine regions, it’s helpful to make one distinction. While Travel By Glass is focused on French wine, I fully recognize and appreciate great wines including made elsewhere, including California. 4) Making Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in California and France Since Cabernet Sauvignon is a relatively tannic wine, it might come across as a tart taste in some cases. If the wine is made in a warmer climate like California, expect to have a more fruity taste. From an aroma perspective, many people compare wine to tobacco and leather. Typical taste: in your glass of wine, expect to taste black fruit experience (e.g., black cherry, blackberry, and plum. In contrast, a warm climate Merlot-based wine will tend to have a blackberry flavor. In a cooler climate, Merlot usually has red fruit qualities such as strawberry. Typical taste: while much depends on whether or not you have a full-bodied wine, there are some general patterns. To understand each wine varietal, here are the typical characteristics you should expect in terms of taste. 3) Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot: critical differences in taste You need to take a closer look at how the wine is made and the residual sugar level. Generally speaking, dry wine has 1-10 g/l of residual sugar, while sweet wine has a residual sugar level of 35-120 g/l.īottom line: the grape variety doesn’t tell you that much about the sweetness level. If you are looking for a sweet wine instead of a dry wine, take a closer look at the wine label or look up the wine online. Putting aside the impact of tannins, the sugar level in Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon can be the same. In contrast, a glass of cabernet sauvignon will leave you with a drying sensation because it usually has more tannins. That said, winemakers typically make Merlot with a sweeter flavor profile. 2) Which is sweeter: Cabernet vs Merlotīoth of these wines are generally made as dry wines, so the differences are relatively subtle. Finding a direct comparison between those regions can be difficult because many winemakers blend different wine varieties. For example, a French merlot will typically have a lower alcohol level than a merlot made in California. However, some wine lovers prefer a flavor profile without oak barrels.Ĭlimate also has an impact on alcohol levels. For example, I happen to love the impact of oak barrels on wine (especially the vanilla flavor that oak adds). Aside from temperature, winemakers have plenty of other significant choices to keep in mind. Likewise, cabernet sauvignon is made all around the world, even in a cool climate like Canada. Merlot grapes can thrive in either a cool climate or a warm climate. However, some places are better than others when bringing merlot grapes and cabernet sauvignon grapes to life. You can find these wines grown in France, California (e.g., Napa Valley), and many other places. However, it is worth noting that these grape varieties are grown around the world. In my wine quest, I’m focusing on the best French wine regions have to offer. 1) Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot: how climate and region play a role
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