Sensium

Compare module

Interactive pair analysis

Run side-by-side confusion checks directly in web with overlap and separator views.

Suggested confusion pairs help you start fast. Or pick any two grapes to see structure alignment, aroma overlap, and the separators that resolve the call.

Suggested pairs
Popular full comparisons

Step 01

Select the pair

Pick the two grapes you want to put head to head.

Step 02

Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot

Compare structure side by side, then resolve the close-call with the right separator.

Quickest tell

Cabernet Sauvignon shows higher tannin (High) than Merlot (Medium).

Train this pair →

Cabernet Sauvignon

ColorRed
BodyFull
AcidityMedium(+)
TanninHigh
Separators
  • cabernet sauvignon leans cassis, firmer tannin, and cedar length; merlot leans plum-led fruit, softer tannin, and rounder mid-palate.
  • cabernet sauvignon leans cassis, firmer tannin, and cedar length; cabernet franc leans red-currant fruit, leafy lift, and medium body.
  • cabernet sauvignon leans cassis, firmer tannin, and cedar length; syrah leans black pepper, olive, and smoky savoriness.
  • cabernet sauvignon leans cassis, firmer tannin, and cedar length; malbec leans inky color, blackberry-plum fruit, and broad texture.
Reference context
  • Classic regions: Bordeaux · Napa Valley · Maipo · Coonawarra
  • Classic styles: Cabernet-led Bordeaux blend · Structured oak-aged varietal red
  • Style examples: Left Bank Bordeaux · Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Merlot

ColorRed
BodyMedium(+)
AcidityMedium
TanninMedium
Separators
  • merlot leans plum-led fruit, softer tannin, and rounder mid-palate; cabernet sauvignon leans cassis, firmer tannin, and cedar length.
  • merlot leans plum-led fruit, softer tannin, and rounder mid-palate; cabernet franc leans red-currant fruit, leafy lift, and medium body.
  • merlot leans plum-led fruit, softer tannin, and rounder mid-palate; malbec leans inky color, blackberry-plum fruit, and broad texture.
  • merlot leans plum-led fruit, softer tannin, and rounder mid-palate; sangiovese leans sour-cherry fruit, savory herbs, and bright acid spine.
Reference context
  • Classic regions: Pomerol · Saint-Emilion · Ticino · Napa Valley
  • Classic styles: Plush right-bank blend component · Rounded oak-aged varietal red
  • Style examples: Right Bank Bordeaux · Napa Valley Merlot
Structure fingerprint
Acidity
Tannin
Body
Alcohol
Color intensity
Aromatic intensity
Shared aroma overlap
cedarviolet
Cabernet Sauvignon unique cues
blackcurrantcassisbell peppermint
Merlot unique cues
plumblack cherrychocolatemocha

Common questions

What does the Sensium Compare tool do?
Pick any two grapes and Compare returns a Fast Call decision rule: the single structural or aromatic cue that most reliably separates them in a blind tasting, plus a side-by-side structure fingerprint.
How do you tell two similar grapes apart in a blind tasting?
Lead with the most decisive separator, not the full profile. Compare surfaces that separator first — for example, tannin level, acidity, or a signature aroma — so you can resolve the call quickly and confidently.
Which grape confusions does Sensium cover?
Any pair from the 1,534-variety catalog. Sensium ranks the highest-risk, most mutually-confused pairs first, drawn from the catalog's confusion graph.
Is Compare free to use?
Yes. Comparing any two grapes is free on web, iOS, and Android. Premium adds the deeper coaching loops around it.