Comparison
Pinot Noir vs Merlot
Two softer reds that suit different things — which is lighter, and which is smoother?
The short answer
Pinot Noir and Merlot come from the same country but sit in different territory. The main differences: Pinot Noir has more earthy character; Pinot Noir has more floral character; Pinot Noir has more acidity.
Choose
Pinot Noir
Choose Pinot Noir if you want something earthier, more floral, fresher and more acidic.
Worth knowing
Both are often recommended as "easy" reds, but for different reasons. Merlot is soft because its tannin is low and its texture plush; Pinot Noir is light because its body is low, while its acidity is high. They feel quite different in the mouth.
Where they genuinely differ
Only differences large enough to notice in the glass are listed here. A gap of half a point on a five-point scale is noise, and WineHQ does not dress it up as a finding.
Earthy character
Clear differenceForest floor, mushroom, wet stone, clay and undergrowth notes. Frequently, though not exclusively, associated with cooler and more traditional styles.
Pinot Noir is earthier: medium-plus against low.
Floral character
Clear differenceBlossom, rose, violet, elderflower, acacia and related aromatic notes.
Pinot Noir is more floral: medium against low.
Acidity
Clear differenceTotal perceived acidity. Rises in cooler climates and with earlier picking; falls with heat and ripeness.
Pinot Noir is fresher and more acidic: medium-plus against medium.
Alcohol
Clear differencePerceived alcoholic strength, which tracks actual ABV but is modified by sweetness, acidity and body.
Merlot is stronger and warmer: medium-plus against medium.
Body
Clear differenceThe overall weight and viscosity of the wine in the mouth — a composite of alcohol, sugar, extract and glycerol.
Merlot is fuller and richer: medium-plus against medium.
Fruit intensity
Clear differenceHow loudly the fruit flavours speak, independent of whether they are ripe or tart.
Merlot is fruitier: medium-plus against medium.
Where they are much the same
Just as useful: knowing which parts of the choice do not matter.
- Sweetness: Similar — both low.
- Tannin: Similar — both medium.
- Oak influence: Similar — both medium.
- Carbonation: Similar — both low.
Full side by side
| Dimension | Pinot Noir | Merlot |
|---|---|---|
| Earthy character | typically medium-plus, ranging from low-medium to high (4/5) | low (1/5) |
| Floral character | typically medium, ranging from low-medium to medium-plus (3/5) | low (1/5) |
| Acidity | typically medium-plus, ranging from medium to high (4/5) | typically medium, ranging from low-medium to medium (3/5) |
| Alcohol | typically medium, ranging from low-medium to medium-plus (3/5) | typically medium-plus, ranging from medium to medium-plus (4/5) |
| Body | typically medium, ranging from low-medium to medium-plus (3/5) | typically medium-plus, ranging from medium to high (4/5) |
| Fruit intensity | typically medium, ranging from low-medium to medium-plus (3/5) | typically medium-plus, ranging from medium to medium-plus (4/5) |
| Aromatic intensity | typically medium-plus, ranging from medium to high (4/5) | medium (3/5) |
| Savoury character | typically medium-plus, ranging from low-medium to high (4/5) | typically medium, ranging from low-medium to medium (3/5) |
| Herbal / green character | low (1/5) | typically low-medium, ranging from low to medium (2/5) |
| Spice | typically medium, ranging from low-medium to medium (3/5) | typically low-medium, ranging from low to medium (2/5) |
| Perceived freshness | typically medium-plus, ranging from medium to high (4/5) | typically medium, ranging from low-medium to medium (3/5) |
| Texture | typically medium, ranging from low-medium to medium-plus (3/5) | typically medium-plus, ranging from medium to medium-plus (4/5) |
| Sweetness | low (1/5) | low (1/5) |
| Tannin | typically medium, ranging from low-medium to medium (3/5) | typically medium, ranging from low-medium to medium-plus (3/5) |
| Oak influence | typically medium, ranging from low to medium-plus (3/5) | typically medium, ranging from low to medium-plus (3/5) |
| Carbonation | low (1/5) | low (1/5) |
| Serve at | 14–16°C | 15–17°C |
| Typical flavours | red cherry, raspberry, strawberry, forest floor, mushroom | plum, black cherry, chocolate, cedar, fruitcake |
Values are typical points within each wine’s range. Both wines vary — see the individual pages for how much.
Read more
Grape
Pinot Noir
A thin-skinned, difficult, site-sensitive variety that produces the most perfumed and transparent red wines in the world.
Grape
Merlot
A plush, plum-scented Bordeaux variety that ripens earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon and produces softer, rounder wine.
Comparison
Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot
The two halves of the Bordeaux blend — which is firmer, and which should you choose?
Comparison
Merlot vs Shiraz
Two soft, approachable reds — which is bigger, and which is smoother?
Comparison
Malbec vs Merlot
Two smooth reds that get bought interchangeably — do they actually differ?