Merlot vs Carmenère
Merlot
A red grape of plum and black cherry with medium tannin and a round texture, and the dominant variety across much of Bordeaux's Right Bank.
- Plum
- Medium tannin
- Round texture
Recognize it
Round, medium tannin with medium acidity and a broad, plush body. Plum and black cherry are common markers. It usually feels gentler than Cabernet Sauvignon from the same place.
Carmenère
A deeply colored Bordeaux grape now strongly associated with Chile, usually combining dark plum with a savory herbal or peppery edge.
- Dark plum
- Savory green pepper
- Deep color
Recognize it
Deep color with dark plum and a distinct savory green note, such as peppercorn or capsicum. Less-ripe examples can show more of that herbal character.
How they compare
- SimilarPlum fruit and rounded texture.
- DifferenceCarmenère is more likely to show a savory green-pepper note.