Merlot vs Tempranillo
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.
Tempranillo
A medium-to-high-tannin black grape with red plum and cherry that develops savory, leathery notes with age, and Rioja's dominant red variety.
- Red plum
- Medium to high tannin
- Savory with age
Recognize it
Medium to firm tannin frames red plum and cherry. Tobacco and leather can develop with age. Vanilla or coconut usually point to oak, especially American oak, rather than the grape itself.
How they compare
- SimilarPlum fruit and medium-to-firm tannin.
- DifferenceMerlot is rounder, softer and usually less savory.