As wine connoisseurs know, not all red wine is the same! Vineries produce many different red wines, all with unique characteristics, flavors, and bouquets. From bold and full-bodied to dry and delicate, there are many red wines on the market. Merlot wine and Pinot Noir wine are two of the most popular red wines, yet they are at opposite ends of the wine spectrum. The differences between Pinot Noir and Merlot wine often spark debate, as the Merlot taste is very different from Pinot Noir.
When comparing Merlot vs. Pinot Noir, questions often arise: Is Pinot Noir sweet? Is Merlot a dry wine? What kind of wine is Pinot Noir? What is the best Merlot? Is Pinot Noir red wine or white? To arm you with the answers, here’s our brief guide on everything you need to know about Pinot Noir vs. Merlot, including what type of wines they are, the differences between them, and the best way to serve these sophisticated red wines to guests.
What Is Pinot Noir Wine?
Pinot Noir is one of the most well-loved types of red wine made from small Pinot Noir grapes known for their thin skin and delicate flavor. When asked, “What does Pinot Noir taste like?”, it is best described as a light to medium-bodied wine that appeals to the majority. Pinot Noir is also versatile and contains very few tannins, so it’s dry and can be paired with a wide range of poultry and meat dishes and many other light and tasty culinary delights.
What Is Merlot Wine?
Merlot is an easy-to-drink, smooth red wine made from large and fruity Merlot grapes. Its sophisticated, bold, and approachable flavor makes Merlot extremely popular with casual wine drinkers and connoisseurs. Some ask, “Is Merlot a sweet wine?” but officially, no - it may be fruity but has low tannin levels, so it’s considered a dry red wine. Merlot goes well with many dishes, including lamb, beef, and mature cheese.
What Are the Main Differences Between Merlot and Pinot Noir?
Pinot Noir and Merlot wines are excellent examples of the fine red wine that talented global vineyards and wineries produce. Both wines are classed as dry and red, yet there are differences between these two types of red wine:
- Terroir: Compared to Merlot grapes, Pinot Noir grapes are notoriously challenging to nurture and grow, as their thin skin leaves them prone to disease. Pinot Noir grapes are influenced by their environment, so the climate and topography of the vineyard do affect the flavor. For example, a Pinot Noir from a cool climate like New Zealand or Burgundy will be richer and more expressive than a Pinot Noir from warmer climes. In contrast, Merlot grapes are larger and have slightly thicker skin that ripens quickly and are resistant to disease and bad weather. This means they are easier to grow and lead to a more consistent, smooth, and fruity flavor, no matter where the Merlot comes from.
- Taste & Characteristics: When it comes to “Is Pinot Noir dry or sweet?” you can consider it dry, or certainly drier than Merlot. Pinot Noir is a light to medium bodied red wine, with delicate notes of redcurrant, cherry, and rose. Although Merlot is also dry, it is medium to full bodied and has a fruity, bold flavor, with hints of plum, blackberry, and chocolate.
- Shelf Life: “Red wine gets better with age” – it’s a saying believed by many. However, that entirely depends on the wine. One of the main differences between Pinot Noir and Merlot is their shelf life. Merlot can only be stored for three to five years, whereas Pinot Noir can last up to eighteen years in optimal, cool, dark conditions. Once open, there’s also a difference: a good Merlot lasts around five days, and Pinot Noir only lasts up to 48 hours.
How to Serve Pinot Noir?
It’s often assumed that all red wine should be kept at room temperature; however, that’s not necessarily the case. Sommeliers serve the best Pinot Noir wine at just below room temperature, around 55-60°F. To achieve this optimal cellar temperature, it’s best to refrigerate Pinot Noir for around 15 minutes before serving.
Most Pinot Noir doesn’t need to be decanted. Providing the bottle has rested upright, the contents can be carefully poured at an angle into the appropriate wine glass, with caution taken for the last dregs to avoid transferring any sediment. Some do, however, use wine decanters and wine carafes for serving Pinot Noir, as they help to aerate the wine and improve the overall drinking experience.
Which Type of Glasses Are Used for Pinot Noir?
Pinot Noir is a delicate red wine that requires wine glasses that showcase its flavor and complexity. A Burgundy glass with a large bowl tapering to the rim is best, like one from the . NUDE Stem Zero Elegant Red Wine GlassesThese lead-free crystal wine glasses are specifically designed to elevate the aroma and flavor of complex red wines like Pinot Noir.
How to Serve Merlot?
Like Pinot Noir, Merlot is best served at cellar temperature, around 60°F. Again, this can be achieved by placing the bottle in the fridge for around 15 minutes before serving. Like most red wines, Merlot benefits from aeration. It is also best decanted for around two hours to clear any sediment and elevate its characteristics and nuances. NUDE wine decanters are ideal for this purpose.
Which Types of Glasses Are Used for Merlot?
Bold and full-bodied red wines like Merlot benefit from taller, tapered glasses with a wide bowl. This silhouette helps to aerate the wine and enhance the taste and aroma, allowing you to fully appreciate the beverage. Glasses such as the NUDE Stem Zero Trio Red Wine Glass or Vintage Set of 2 Bordeaux Glasses are perfect for serving Merlot. Both are crafted from lead-free crystal, and they have a pure, transparent aesthetic, so the vibrant color of the wine shines through.
Hopefully, you now have a good understanding of the differences between Merlot and Pinot Noir and know the glasses to serve the best-tasting red wine. For discover more about the NUDE glassware range, please see the NUDE collections
