Malbec vs Merlot: Which Of These Powerful Reds Is The Perfect Match For You?

To make your dinner more than just supper and a bit finer, it is important to tune your wine selection.

And it’s not a one-fit-for-all situation.

Two common contenders for red wine are Malbec and Merlot, which are very similar yet distinct.

The aim of this Merlot vs Malbec comparison article is not to declare a winner, since both of them are the best they can be, but rather to establish which one would be better suited for a particular situation.

Before we dive any deeper, let me state that you don’t have to be a wine aficionado to have a better sense of taste, it is an instinct. If it feels right, then it usually is. But it still pays to know what the social convention is, especially if you’re hosting a dinner.

Let’s get started!

Main Differences Between Merlot vs Malbec

The main difference between Malbec and Merlot that will help you make an informed decision when confounded by the choice:

• Both are usually made as dry wines, so the difference you notice is fruit, body, and tannin rather than sugar.
• Flavor-wise, Merlot offers a touch of plum and cherry with a hint of bay leaf in the mixture, whereas, Malbec finishes off a smoky (tobacco) effect, while the basic flavor comes from red plum and blackberry.
• Neither is expensive as a rule; both are made at every price level, from everyday bottles to premium labels.
• Although neither of these has a lingering taste, Malbec offers a smoky finish, whereas Merlot does not.
• Malbec comes from southwest France and is now most associated with Argentina, whereas Merlot comes from Bordeaux and is grown widely, including in Italy, Spain, Chile, and the US.

Merlot

To start, let’s explore Merlot: it hails from France and is a reputable red wine commonly served at dinners and parties.

Grapes For Merlot

Merlot comes from Bordeaux, where it is the most planted red grape, and today it grows in vineyards around the world. Just to clarify, you can’t just grow perfect grapes wherever you want, there should be some specific conditions that shape their taste and aroma.

In the case of Merlot, climate shapes the style: cooler sites give fresher, more herbal wines, while warmer sites give riper, plummier ones.

Merlot is one of the most widely planted red grapes in the world. Beyond Bordeaux, you'll find well-known examples from California, Washington, Chile, Italy, and Spain.

How Does It Taste Like?

Merlot's soft, plummy fruit makes it easy to drink even though it is dry, so it's a good option for beginners as well. Merlot will offer the perfect blend of taste and punch to stimulate your nerves and taste buds.

The wine has a soft touch to it despite being inherently rich, thanks to its supple, moderate tannins.

Merlot is also a classic blending partner for other grapes, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, as in many Bordeaux reds.

Malbec

This entry comes from southwest France, where it is the main grape of Cahors, and it is still a minor blending grape in Bordeaux. Today it is made in both France and Argentina. However, this variant is more suited for formal occasions and differs from Merlot in terms of taste and finish.

Where Is It Made?

Although primarily a French wine, the Malbec became associated with Argentina later on in history as the country became a competing producer. The grape thrives in Argentina's sunny, high-altitude vineyards, especially in Mendoza.

Today, the Malbec is more closely associated with Argentina than its native land: France.

And although it started as an ingredient for blends, now, Malbec is valued on its own as a separate wine and has developed quite a following.

How Does It Taste Like?

‘Velvety’ is the word that most tasters use to define Malbec. If you’re unsure what it means, let me clarify: Malbec has adequate tannins and boasts an elegant, rather luxurious end-taste. The finish often shows smoky, tobacco-like notes, and it lingers for a brief period after you’ve had a sip.

When compared taste-wise, Malbec usually tastes darker and bolder than Merlot. Both are dry, and the hint of sweetness you may notice comes from ripe fruit flavors such as cherries and plums, not sugar.

Comparing Malbec vs Merlot

The Malbec and Merlot differ in several respects and under the following headers, I intend to lay down the facts for you and help you make an informed decision:

Degree Of Dryness

Both of these are dry wines. Dry refers to the residual sugar content, which is low for both of them, making them perfect to go along with food but not as a sweet delight afterward.

Both can seem a little sweet from ripe fruit, and many drinkers find Merlot's softer style tastes sweeter, even though it isn't, most prominently through flavors of cherries and plums.

Body Of Wine

A wine’s body is reflected by the feeling of heaviness created in the mouth. If the body is full, it will seem very rich while the inverse will be true otherwise.

Malbec, being a full-bodied wine, delivers a much richer and stronger punch, whereas Merlot does not show this strength because it is a medium-full wine, making it less “richer” – it instead offers a delicate balance between softness and richness.

Tannins

I briefly mentioned tannins when discussing Merlot, and I will discuss them in detail here. Fruit skins (and sometimes the bark) have certain intrinsic chemical compounds of organic nature, these contain several phenol rings and are hence called polyphenols.

These polyphenols are called tannins in common language, and they create the drying, astringent feel of the wine; tartness comes from acidity. There is no ideal level of tannins because different people have different preferences for how their wine should taste.

The more the tannins, the more grip you feel. Decanter lists Malbec among the grapes notably high in tannins, while Merlot's tannins tend to feel softer and rounder.

Cost Difference

Okay, let me make this clear: a difference is a difference, big or small, I’ll cover them all.

Moving on to the cost, there's no consistent price gap between the two. Both come at every level, from everyday bottles to expensive single-vineyard wines.

Price depends far more on the producer and region than on the grape, so compare bottles, not varieties.

Flavor Comparison

It is hard to define the flavors of either Merlot or Malbec, not for the want of proper adjectives, but because of the sheer variety that winemakers have introduced in the market. A wine’s taste is also directly affected by how and where its ingredients were grown.

But generally speaking, both have a hint of sweetness with touches of cocoa, cherries (and berries), plums, and vanilla in the mixture.

Taste Test: Merlot appears to be one of the top go-to wines for food pairings. We have another wine comparison challenge for you to dampen your lips -- Pinot Noir vs Merlot: A Thorough & Fair Comparison Of Two Fine Wines.

Comparing The Food Partners For Malbec And Merlot

Since each wine has a distinct flavor, body, and finish, your choice will mostly depend on the type of dinner you’re planning on having:

Malbec

Mostly lean meat-based foods like chicken steak tend to go very nicely with Malbec. The same can be said about foods containing cheeses, which soften its firm tannins.

All sorts of meaty diets like lamb chops or roasted chicken will perfectly partner with this wine. Moreover, grilled steaks and other smoked foods will perfectly accentuate the smoky finish of Malbec.

In general, Malbec is usually a preferred choice for formal events.

Merlot

Owing to its versatility and the various configurations it is available in, Merlot can pair up with any number of food types.

Heck, you can even have one with your regular slice of pizza!

You can serve it at a family dinner especially if you fancy Italian dishes (it goes perfectly with them). However, heavier variants will pair up perfectly with protein-rich dishes like meatloaf, salmon, meatballs, and so on.

The point is that since Merlot is available in so many variants, you can easily pick one that suits your dinner plan the best.

Verdict

A smoky finish and an elegant touch make Malbec a worthy choice for formal gatherings, especially if the menu is based on lean meat-based dishes. However, the Merlot is more versatile and you can pick a variant perfect for virtually all dinner scenarios, even for the weekend pizzas, especially if it is from an Italian restaurant!

Taste Test: Wine tasting isn't over yet...for now! We have another wine comparison for you to have a look at. Proceed to our article here and tell us what you think -- Shiraz vs Cabernet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got some unanswered questions swimming around in your head? No problem, let’s take a look at ‘em here:

Which Is Better -- Malbec Or Merlot?

Strictly from an objective point of view, it is very hard to say. If someone gives their verdict in favor of one or the other, then some degree of personal preference might be involved because reaching a resolute decision, in this case, is as difficult as it gets.

Both wines are honed by enthusiasts and serve different purposes, so it’s not like they’re competing for the top spot. While Malbec is usually preferred for formal events, Merlot is more versatile and can go perfectly in several scenarios such as a regular dinner at home.

How Popular Are Malbec And Merlot?

When it comes to red wines, you are bound to come across the names ‘Merlot’ and ‘Malbec,’ this alone is enough to suggest that they are very popular.

This is for a good reason, too -- they pair perfectly with several dishes and can lighten up anyone’s dinner table with their distinct taste and, in the case of Malbec, a smoky finish too.

What Do Malbec And Merlot Have In Common?

Merlot and Malbec are more similar than they are different. Though Malbec is more or less associated with Argentina in current times, it originates from the birthplace of Merlot: France. They are both dry red wines and are either full-bodied or medium-full.

They are not the same, but very similar.

Conclusion

The differences between Malbec and Merlot can help segregate the two for different purposes, but cannot be used to determine which one is superior or inferior. Neither is consistently pricier, and both are excellent choices that will not fail to appease your tastebuds.

Merlot is more delicate and has a luxurious finish to it, moreover, its versatility makes it perfect for multiple dishes. It will also be a perfect starter for you if you prefer softer, fruit-forward reds.

At the same time, Malbec is also just as good, in a different way, most prominently the smoky finish it delivers.

That’s all from my side, let’s hear what you have to say!

Sources

• Grape varieties, Bordeaux Wine Council (bordeaux.com)
• Tannins: What are they and what do they do?, Decanter