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Malbec and Merlot may both be smooth, fruity reds, but each has its own distinct character. Read our handy guide to find out more ...
Malbec vs Merlot – it’s the battle between two of the most popular red wine grape varieties out there. And you can see why they’re often compared to each other. They both originated in France, both produce fruity red wines, and both start with the same letter. And well, that’s pretty much it really!
If we take a closer look at the differences between Malbec and Merlot, you can see which one will best suit your taste.
Malbec vs Merlot: What are the differences?
1. Wine regions
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.
2. Colour
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, and we even have a white Malbec!
3. Style
Both wines can be medium or full-bodied but as a generalisation, 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.
4. Taste
This is probably the biggest difference between Malbec and Merlot. Malbec red wines tend to have a darker fruit profile with blackberries and plums, along with smoky notes on the finish. Merlot red 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.
5. Food pairings
Malbec is the ultimate BBQ red. Its robust character and smoky notes make it a dream match for grilled meats and vegetables.
Merlot is one of the most food-friendly red wines and goes with all sorts of food. Top food pairings with Merlot include pasta with bolognese or tomato sauce, roast chicken (one of the few red wines that works) and mushroom-based dishes.
Looking to find out more about Malbec and Merlot? Read our 'Essential guide to Malbec' and our 'Smart guide to Merlot' blogs.
3 Malbecs to try
Malbec d’Hervé Once upon a time, French Malbec was known for being rustic and chewy – you had to wait years before they softened and matured. Then Argentina came along and stole the Malbec limelight, producing wines in a much more lush, velvety style. Well now, the French have made a comeback! They’ve seen the success their winemaking friends in Argentina have had and are making wines in a softer, juicier style with classic French finesse. Malbec d’Hervé from the south of France is a great example – packed full of ripe bramble fruit with notes of wild herbs and a smooth, supple texture.
Opi Malbec It’s easy to see why this has become 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. In fact, the debut vintage of this wine was crowned ‘The Best Malbec in Argentina’. Impressive given the stiff competition for that title! 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 We all know that Malbec makes great easy-drinking reds but fine wines? Absolutely yes! Hervé Fabre was born in Bordeaux but has spent most of the last 30 years making wines in Argentina. He makes his wines like top-end Bordeaux and you can really taste the difference. GGG (Gran Grande Gualtallary) comes from Argentina’s premier spot for fine Malbec – the ‘Grand Cru’ of Gualtallary within Mendoza’s Uco Valley. The vineyard sits at 1,400 metres above sea level and benefits from cool temperatures and plenty of sunlight. The result? A seriously pure, intense Malbec layered with dark fruits, chocolate, black pepper and creamy oak.
3 Merlots to try
Don Cayetano Merlot Chile excels with Bordeaux grape varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot – and undoubtedly produces some of the best value Merlot in the world. 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. That’s all thanks to top-class winemaking from Luis Felipe Edwards, one of Chile’s leading family-owned estates and four-time winners of ‘Chilean Winery of the Year’.
Mirlo Merlot Spain may not be the first place you think of when you’re looking for a Merlot, but Mirlo is 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 This is where Merlot gets serious. Red Bordeaux is made mainly from three grape varieties – Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. On the Left Bank, Médoc and Graves, they’re predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon. And on the Right Bank, home to Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, they’re mainly Merlot. Château La Clarière is 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.
About the author
Sarah Turner
Sarah is a wine writer and editor with over 25 years’ experience in the world of wine. She began her career in retail, passing the WSET Level 4 Diploma, before becoming a supermarket wine buyer and finally finding her home in our creative team. Her love of food, wine and travel has taken her all over the world, but she has a soft spot for Portugal’s Douro Valley and the sherries and tapas bars of Andalucia.
