Wine-What is the difference between a Cab and Merlot??

Question

I am going on a date to a wine bar (not my choice!) And i would like to be a little more educated on Wine before i go! I only drink Chardonnay (Reisling) :)

Answer 1

Cabernet is a big-bodied, usually fairly dry red.  Merlot is also a reasonably dry red, but not as assertive as a Cab.

Riesling and Chardonnay are both separate varieties of grapes, so that's probably a blend grapes used in that variety.  Rieslings are a very fruity grape, not as dry in their final product as a Chardonnay.  The way the German's use the Riesling is to make a sweeter (but not sugary) wine that doesn't have to accompany any foods.  It's termed a "desert" wine.  In any case, those are considered two of the classic white grape varieties, so you probably are doing okay with that blend.

Be open to the possibilities.  I once tried a Hungarian Red wine that seemed okay, but no big deal.  Then the guy had us try it just after taking a bite of good dark chocolate, and the effect was astounding.

A lot of times it really is about what you pair it with, food or snack-wise.

In Alscace and France, they allow the sugars to get fermented out into a dryer product.

Answer 2

Good question.  As it sounds like you need a crash course on the difference for your date versus wanting to know all the ins and outs of wine.  The big difference is Merlot's have thinner skin and tend to mature ealier.  As a result, Merlot just do not have as much tannins (tannins come from the grape skin) as Cab's.  Tannins not only give wines that big feel in the mouth, it also parches your mouth.  Think of when you drank a strong tea.  Consequently, for many drinkers, Merlot's come off as being "smoother" and more accessible.  Its also low in acidity, that and low tannins gives it nice balance.  Cab's, still the heavyweight champion of world, thick skin, aggressive tannins, strong cassis and black berry notes, its like the big brother to the Merlot.  Both come from Bordeaux and both are blended into each other to either soften or strengthen the other.  Cab's tend to dominant the blend on Left Bank of the Gironde river and the Merlot on the Right Bank (wine speak for wine nerds, such as myself).  Hope this helps.  Have fun on your date.