What are the differences between Pinot Noir, Cabernet and Merlot? – Episode #23
Mar 27
Cabernet, Merlot, pinot noir Cabernet, differences, fun, learn more about wines, Merlot, pinot noir, tell me wine TV, wine, wine 101, wine education 3 Comments
Today’s question is from Mary-Beth from East Village (New York City) who asks “What are the differences between Pinot Noir, Cabernet and Merlot?”.
Video sum up: What are the differences between Pinot Noir, Cabernet and Merlot?
This question is very difficult to answer because these grapes are growing in a lot of different regions and will behave differently based on the winemaker preferences, on how the wine is stored, on terroir…
Pinot Noir, Cabernet and Merlot are the three major grapes called the noble grapes.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a very popular grape partly thanks to the movie Sideways. It’s an extraordinary grape which makes extraordinary wines in the right hands.
Pinot Noir is very difficult to grow: the skin is thin, the grapes are fragile, the wine once produced is also fragile. Pinot Noir comes from Burgundy (France).
In general Pinot Noir has a light color, lighter notes on the nose when it’s young (fresh berries, floral notes) and shows some earthiness.
Cabernet
Cabernet is a bigger grape, full of tannins, sometimes difficult to drink when it is young. The primary grape of Bordeaux.
The Australian Carbernet (Thorpe Rsv Cabernet) is much bigger on the nose (glycerin, eucalyptus). Cabernet are darker than Pinot Noir.
Merlot
Merlot is also a very popular grape. Merlot is a little easier to grow than Cabernet and Pinot Noir. Merlot is the primary grape used in Chateau Petrus (one of the most famous and expensive wine in the world).
Finally always keep in mind that any grape can be managed to do different things.
Wines tasted:
- Ellen d’Angeac Pinot Noir, Burgundy, France
- Thorpe Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia
- Castello Carboncine Merlot, Italy
Send us your question and we will do our best to answer them: http://www.tellmewinetv.com/send-us-your-questions/
Apr 18, 2010 @ 22:33:20
Terrific work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher!
Apr 20, 2010 @ 15:03:03
Thanks medical assistant;
Stay tuned – it will only get funner! Keep try wine – and enjoy. It shouldn’t be that difficult. If you have any questions – please – send on.
Jeremy