Merlot vs Sangiovese
How to tell them apart in a blind tasting
The clearest separator between Merlot and Sangiovese is acidity: Merlot is Medium while Sangiovese is High. Lead with that to resolve the blind call.
MerlotSangiovese
Step 02
Merlot vs Sangiovese
Compare structure side by side, then resolve the close-call with the right separator.
Primary separator
Merlot leans plum-led fruit, softer tannin, and rounder mid-palate; Sangiovese leans sour-cherry fruit, savory herbs, and bright acid spine.
Train this pair →Aroma Markers
Merlot more likely markers
- black cherry
- chocolate
- plum
Sangiovese more likely markers
- dried herbs
- sour cherry
- tomato leaf
Decision Cues
Most useful separators
- Merlot leans plum-led fruit, softer tannin, and rounder mid-palate; Sangiovese leans sour-cherry fruit, savory herbs, and bright acid spine.
High-signal differences
- Acidity: Sangiovese much higher (Medium vs High).
- Tannin: Sangiovese slightly higher (Medium vs Medium(+)).
- Body: Merlot slightly higher (Medium(+) vs Medium).
Structure fingerprint
MerlotSangiovese
Acidity
Medium
High
Tannin
Medium
Medium(+)
Body
Medium(+)
Medium
Alcohol
Medium
Medium
Color intensity
Medium
Medium
Aromatic intensity
Medium
Medium(+)
Reference context
Merlot
Classic regions:
- Napa Valley
- Pomerol
- Saint-Emilion
- Ticino
Style examples:
- Right Bank Bordeaux
- Plush right-bank blend component
- Rounded oak-aged varietal red
Sangiovese
Classic regions:
- Brunello di Montalcino
- Chianti Classico
- Romagna
Style examples:
- High-acid savory Italian red
- Oak-aged structured Tuscan red
Common questions
How do you tell Merlot and Sangiovese apart in a blind tasting?
The clearest separator between Merlot and Sangiovese is acidity: Merlot is Medium while Sangiovese is High. Lead with that to resolve the blind call.
Is Merlot or Sangiovese higher in acidity?
On the WSET ladder, Merlot is Medium and Sangiovese is High for acidity.
Are Merlot and Sangiovese red or white?
Merlot and Sangiovese are both red grape varieties.