Malbec vs Merlot - Which to Choose?

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Malbec vs Merlot

Where do they come from?

Malbec originated in Cahors in southwest France and was once widely planted in France. However, more recently Malbec has achieved international acclaim in Argentina where it loves the long hours of sunshine and high altitude.

Merlot, on the other hand, is grown all over the world. Its origins lie in Bordeaux and it’s still one of the region’s main grapes where it’s famed for its silky-smooth red wines – notably Saint-Émilion and Pomerol.

Other key Merlot-producing area include California, Chile and Italy.

Tony Laithwaite at his pride-and-joy family estate in Castillon, Château La Clarière.

What do they look like in the glass?

Take a good look at your glass of Malbec or Merlot and you’ll see they’re different in colour.

Malbec was once known as the ‘Black wine’ and it often has an inky-dark colour with a purplish tinge when young. Depending on where it comes from and its age, Merlot tends to be a touch lighter in colour and more of a deep ruby in shade.

We should add that while most Malbecs and Merlots are red, you can also get Merlot and Malbec rosés. We even have a white Malbec from Argentina’s Alambrado estate - it's fragrant and zesty with bright, lemony notes and hints of red berries.

What are the differences in Style and Flavour Profile?

Both wines can be medium or full-bodied, but Merlot tends to be lighter in style than Malbec. If you want a big, full-bodied red wine, opt for Malbec. If you prefer a softer, smooth red wine, then Merlot is for you.

Their taste profiles are probably the biggest difference between Malbec and Merlot. Malbec wines tend to have a darker fruit profile with blackberries and plums, along with smoky notes on the finish. Merlot wines can also be very plummy, but with juicy red fruits like raspberries and hints of chocolate.

Both Malbec and Merlot are often aged in oak, so you may also detect notes of vanilla, cocoa and spice.

Which foods pair best with Malbec and Merlot?

Malbec is the ultimate BBQ red, a brilliant choice for bold, smoky flavours. Its full body, dark fruit notes and subtle spice make it especially well suited to BBQ food, pairing beautifully with grilled beef, lamb and sausages. It also works well with charred vegetables, rich marinades and hearty dishes that can stand up to its intensity.

Merlot, by contrast, is one of the most versatile and food‑friendly red wines around. Its softer tannins and rounder style allow it to complement a wide range of meals without overpowering them. Classic pairings include pasta with tomato‑based or bolognese sauces, roast chicken (one of the few reds that pairs effortlessly) and earthy mushroom dishes.

3 Malbecs to try

Malbec d’Hervé - crafted by award-winning winemaker, Hervé Sabardeil, who makes several of our bestselling southern French wines. His signature Malbec comes from a plot of 30-year-old vines and is supple and fruity with a smooth finish.

Opi Malbec - not just our No.1 Malbec, but one of the top-selling reds in our range. It’s made by Rodolfo (Opi) Sadler, known as ‘The Malbec Magician’ for his skill in producing Malbecs that are just so deliciously drinkable. Made from grapes in Mendoza, Argentina’s leading Malbec region, it’s soft and velvety with intense, black fruits mingling with hints of violets and smoky spice.

HJ Fabre GGG Malbec - from Argentina’s premier spot for fine Malbec – the ‘Grand Cru’ of Gualtallary within Mendoza’s Uco Valley, this is a seriously pure, intense Malbec layered with dark fruits, chocolate, black pepper and creamy oak.

SHOP ALL MALBEC

3 Merlots to try

Don Cayetano Merlot - Chile undoubtedly produces some of the best value Merlot in the world, and Don Cayetano is one of them. It’s packed full of flavour for the price and has lots of classic Merlot character – plums, raspberries, creamy chocolate and a smooth, silky texture.

Mirlo Merlot - a super-juicy style from Cariñena, a Spanish wine region just east of Rioja. It’s named after the local blackbirds (‘Mirlo’ in Spanish) who love to steal the ripe, flavour-packed Merlot grapes. And who can blame them! Everything a good, easy-sipping Merlot should be – smooth, delicious with or without food, and brimming with summer berries and plums. Very moreish.

Château La Clarière - Tony Laithwaite’s pride-and-joy family estate in Castillon, right next-door to Saint-Émilion (the vineyards literally border the Grands Crus). It’s won trophies and medals galore, and it’s the top-selling Merlot in our range. Look forward to silky ripe plum and cassis with chocolatey spice richness.

SHOP ALL MERLOT