Merlot vs Ruby Cabernet

Merlot is fuller.

Sweetness, body, tannin and acidity are our rating of a typical dry table wine from each grape.

Merlot

Red · France, Italy

soft, plummy, round

Ruby Cabernet

Red · California, United States

soft, cassis, hot-climate blender

Bone dry
Sweetness: Bone dry; Full
Body: Medium; Medium
Tannin: Medium; Medium
Acidity: Medium; 13 to 14.5%
Alcohol: 13 to 14.5%; 15 to 17 °C
Serve at: 15 to 17 °C; Bordeaux, Long Island, Napa Valley, Sonoma County
Regions: California, South Africa, Australia

Only Merlot

Chicken
Pork
Pasta with tomato sauce

Both pair with

Burgers

Only Ruby Cabernet

Barbecue and smoked meat
Pasta with meat sauce
Pizza

Sources

Style profiles, pairings and serving figures are our own assessment. Regions and origins: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0); see the Merlot and Ruby Cabernet pages.