Malbec vs Merlot
How to tell them apart in a blind tasting
The clearest separator between Malbec and Merlot is tannin: Malbec is Medium(+) while Merlot is Medium. Lead with that to resolve the blind call.
MalbecMerlot
Step 02
Malbec vs Merlot
Compare structure side by side, then resolve the close-call with the right separator.
Primary separator
Malbec leans inky color, blackberry-plum fruit, and broad texture; Merlot leans plum-led fruit, softer tannin, and rounder mid-palate.
Train this pair →Aroma Markers
Malbec more likely markers
- black plum
- ink
- violet
Merlot more likely markers
- black cherry
- chocolate
- plum
Decision Cues
Most useful separators
- Malbec leans inky color, blackberry-plum fruit, and broad texture; Merlot leans plum-led fruit, softer tannin, and rounder mid-palate.
High-signal differences
- Tannin: Malbec slightly higher (Medium(+) vs Medium).
- Body: Malbec slightly higher (Full vs Medium(+)).
Structure fingerprint
MalbecMerlot
Acidity
Medium
Medium
Tannin
Medium(+)
Medium
Body
Full
Medium(+)
Alcohol
Medium
Medium
Color intensity
Deep
Medium
Aromatic intensity
Medium(+)
Medium
Reference context
Malbec
Classic regions:
- Cahors
- Colchagua
- Mendoza
- Salta
Style examples:
- Inky full-bodied varietal red
- Structured blend component in southwest France
Merlot
Classic regions:
- Napa Valley
- Pomerol
- Saint-Emilion
- Ticino
Style examples:
- Right Bank Bordeaux
- Plush right-bank blend component
- Rounded oak-aged varietal red
Common questions
How do you tell Malbec and Merlot apart in a blind tasting?
The clearest separator between Malbec and Merlot is tannin: Malbec is Medium(+) while Merlot is Medium. Lead with that to resolve the blind call.
Is Malbec or Merlot higher in tannin?
On the WSET ladder, Malbec is Medium(+) and Merlot is Medium for tannin.
Are Malbec and Merlot red or white?
Malbec and Merlot are both red grape varieties.