Petite Sirah vs Pinot Noir

Despite similar sounding names, Petite Sirah vs Pinot Noir are two distinctive red wines. Petite Sirah has more color, tannin, and body than Pinot Noir. Petite Sirah is black-fruited. Pinot Noir has red fruit, higher acid, and a lighter body. TL;DR: If you like Pinot Noir’s easy-drinking, mellow tannin, and bright red fruit and dislike […]

Merlot vs Carménère

Characteristics Merlot Carménère Hue Medium Ruby to Garnet Medium Ruby to Garnet Color Red Red Aromas Plum, red berries, chocolate Raspberry, peppercorn, green bell pepper, jalapeno Tannins Medium – soft Moderate Acid Medium Medium Alcohol (%) 13-14.5% 13.5-14.5% Body Medium Medium Intensity Medium Medium plus Key Growing Regions Bordeaux, France, Italy, California Chile, Bordeaux Classic […]

Tannat vs Pinot Noir

Comparing Tannat vs Pinot Noir is an intriguing side-by-side comparison. Tannat has more color, tannin, and body than Pinot Noir. Tannat is black-fruited; Pinot Noir has red fruit, higher acid, and a lighter body. TL;DR: If you like the bright, friendly nature of Pinot Noir, you probably won’t care for Tannat. Tannat Basics: A Powerful […]

Tannat vs Merlot

Comparing Tannat vs Merlot is a must-do if you’re getting into red wine. Tannat has a bolder body, much higher tannins, and dark fruits and spices compared to Merlot. Merlot has a medium body, medium aroma and flavor intensity, and soft red and black fruit. TL;DR: If you like the soft drinking nature of Merlot, […]

Merlot vs Petite Sirah

Merlot vs Petite Sirah is an interesting comparison. These are very different red wines. Petite Sirah has a fuller body, much higher tannins, and dark fruits and spices compared to Merlot. Merlot has a medium body, medium aroma and flavor intensity, and soft tannins with plum notes. TL;DR: If you love the plush, velvety softness […]

Sagrantino vs Pinot Noir

Characteristics Sagrantino Pinot Noir Hue Deep purple to inky black Pale red to garnet Color Red Red Aromas Dark berries, black plum, floral notes Red cherry, strawberry, earthy Tannins Very high Low to moderate Acid Moderate to high Moderate to high Alcohol (%) 14-15.5% 12.5-14.5% Body Full Light to medium Intensity Pronounced Moderate to pronounced […]

Tannat vs Tempranillo

Comparing Tannat vs Tempranillo is a fun exercise. These two wines are very different. Tannat has more tannin than Tempranillo. Tannat is black-fruited; Tempranillo has red fruit. Both are full-bodied red wines. TL;DR: If you like Tempranillo, you may or may not like Tannat. Tannat Basics: A Powerful Red Tannat, from the Madiran region of […]

Merlot vs Carignan

Merlot vs Carignan is a fun comparison. Merlot has smoother tannins with dark berries and plums. Carignan has more herbal and savory notes, like meat, with a fuller body and grippy tannins. Both wines are everyday drinkers. TL;DR: If you enjoy the smooth, silky mid-palate mouthfeel of Merlot, you may not like Carignan. These wines […]

Tannat vs Syrah

Comparing Tannat vs Syrah is a fun exercise. We think of Syrah as a big red wine, but Tannat is a worthy competitor. Tannat and Syrah both have high tannins and a firm structure. Syrah has a black pepper and olive note, Tannat has lower acid, licorice, and smoke. Both are big wines. TL;DR: If […]

Grüner Veltliner vs Gewürztraminer: What’s the Difference?

Grüner Veltliner vs Gewürztraminer is a fun comparison because these are two less common (but still accessible) white wines. Grüner Veltliner is a dry, lean, citrus-driven white wine with high acid. Gewürztraminer is a low-acid, medium bodied, aromatic white with lychee, floral, and spice. TL;DR: These are very different white wines. You’ll want to do a […]