Cabernet vs Merlot - Stumped?!

Can you tell the difference between Cabernet and Merlot? Madeline Puckette blind tastes 2 wines. Learn how: winefolly.com/episode/blind-t...
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[@daveclinton4945]

This gal always sounds like she had 7 glasses before they rolled tape 😂

[@Biber0315]

Great clip, very informative, but she's very obnoxious. Merlot tends to taste thicker.

[@luisvarona]

That’s a machist comment

[@daveclinton4945]

@@luisvarona Chicks dig it.

[@iBMcFly]

Confirmed by her quote; this big a$$ wine lol

[@donaldwiener3767]

I love this woman, she knows her sh*t and not pretentious about it. Seems like she'd be really fun to tour Napa with! Keep on doing great vids!

[@Winefolly]

You just made my day. Thank you kind sir!

[@gregvondare]

The tricky thing is, each of those two reds has so many expressions from different regions and degrees of oaking. As a general rule I find it easy to tell them apart by looking at the labels. Also, I think Merlot with food; Cabernet in an elegant glass, all by itself. But that's just me. Maddy, you rock!

[@mariastewart1743]

Love your honesty and down to earth atitude!!! I love wine! You don't have to be snob to enjoy wine. Thank you, Maddie.

[@matdube3577]

OK so it feels so good to watch this video now. Always found that of a challenge distinguishing Merlot from Cabernet.

[@lanjagg]

It’s time for a Merlot Renaissance! Like many folks that commented, I’ve been really enjoying Right Bank Bordeaux lately-where Merlot is the leading lady. What a beautiful, bold, nuanced varietal it is.

[@dennistsiorbas859]

Totally agree; when I want Merlot, Right bank is my favorite.

[@RJWSuffolk]

Great video, and credit for showing humility in showing a vid where you got it “wrong”! I am a wimpy guy from the UK and prefer much lower alcohol wines - indeed usually avoid anything 14% plus. Perhaps the extra “uumph” of high alcohol masks some of the varietal characteristics? I look forward to new stuff from you.

[@Winefolly]

Well, see. That depends! (like the old people's underpants) When it comes to Napa, I'm pretty used to tasting 14%+ as an average. Albeit, it didn't always used to be this way. So, I guess, for Napa it's expected. Also, I started looking into some of the top Bordeaux (just cause I want to know too!) and a lot of these guys get 14+ on their top vintages. So.… I have no idea what we can learn from this other than: "hrmmm that's interesting" Still, love this comment. I too have trouble with high-alc wines as a women at 120 lbs. It goes right to my head!

[@daver8521]

I totally agree with you that it is often difficult to distinguish Cabernet from Merlot, and the difficulty increases as the quality level rises. I think that movie, "Sideways," did a lot to hurt Merlot's reputation - despite the fact that the 1961 Ch. Cheval Blanc Miles is drinking at the end of the film is 40% Merlot. I wonder how many people who love Pomerol and say they don't like Merlot know that Merlot is the predominant grape of that region? Thank you for another entertaining and informative video.

[@shreerajsalunke353]

@Gary Barlow shut up

[@lanjagg]

Gary Barlow Dad, is that you?

[@RJWSuffolk]

“... who love Pomerol and say they don’t like Merlot ...” Yes, and how many say “anything but Chardonnay”, but love Chablis and BdB Champagne? I guess casual wine drinkers like to be fashionable and buy/drink the “right wines”.

[@miguelmarquez4192]

@@RJWSuffolk i think they read one thing and hold on to that one bit of knowledge and want to whip it out later and sound smart, but people who actually do know feel embarassed for them and its so uncomfortable. Im a little bit of an encyclopedia, but i keep quiet when it comes to politics and wine because one statement doesnt always hold true and everything can be debated. Just overwhelming. And if i like something alot theres always someone who will knock you for it somehow. I like what appeals to me. Im not going to choke down something i think is nasty just because one impossible to sit through movie had a one liner about it.

[@girlvsgrape7429]

I am going to do the same experiment today, blind tasting cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah, trying to figure out which is which. This video is great preparation, thank you!

[@JMYaden]

Great overview! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@StonesOde]

Love the unpretentious, sprightly energy. Backed up of course with proficiency. Subbed!

[@DR-zr5rs]

Always love your commentary and take on life, wine and good livin…

[@numanuma20]

Thank you for this video; I have to learn the difference between those grapes. Could one of the reason for failure of Merlot is the movie Sideways? Where did you do your degree or program through?

[@MichaelJ-fn5pl]

Totally dig your approach to wine and all the enjoyment that comes with learning and drinking it. Cheers!

[@monstrok]

Your great descriptions led me to pick #2 as the Merlot and I was second-guessing myself as you made your pick. In the end, I was chuckling to myself and thinking "Right Bank" or "Left Bank" Napa =)

[@Winefolly]

GOLD STAR!

[@tiernimartins2688]

Love your videos. So helpful

[@GossomerPenguin]

I switched my guesses and wound up mistaken too. Love Wine Folly, Mad & Jus!

[@jjfalstaff]

After the reveal, I'd like to hear some more details about each wine, the maker, the style, terroir, vintage etc.

[@SaschTheDash]

Really good comparison. Thanks for that. 👍

[@laurenhudson2834]

Love these vids but sorry have to ask----- is it fair to compare these wines at significantly different price points?

[@JMYaden]

Great video! A great demonstration that cabs can be crafted softer than merlots. Well done!

[@Sedevacautism]

My first Merlot was 2016 Markham from Napa, wonderful stuff.

[@shreerajsalunke353]

So I did some research and found out that the 2014 Shafer Merlot contains 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. Maybe that's why you're getting the pyrazine note. It's also 14% Malbec which is where the deep colour might be coming from. Meanwhile, the Gibbs Cabernet is 7% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot. I don't know what to make of that though....

[@Winefolly]

yep yep. Good RESEARCHING! Tomorrow's post has all the deets! (that I could get) I even got Shafer to reveal Acidity! AEEEeeei! You've caught my theme of picking non-100% varieties. I'm not sure if I'm being an asshole, or if there is something to how real life is a random mish-mosh of different grapes.

[@shreerajsalunke353]

@@Winefolly looking forward! I find the 85% rule in the new world to be slightly misleading tbh since even a 5% in a blend can change characteristics of a wine

[@Winefolly]

@@shreerajsalunke353 hear hear.

[@guermeisterdoodlebug7980]

Be careful when considering some of the comments. Some of us are here because we are enamored with you just as you are. Yes, we are interested in content, but are sold on you and your adorable delivery.

[@mariezenaida]

You nailed it. I adore her because she is fun and down-to-earth. She is also obviously passionate about wine. People who make wine accessible are the best. She is one of them. I also own and adore her book.

[@senator558]

I wonder if the violets you smelled at 2:14 was from a little bit of Petit Verdot? Gibbs has been known to put a little PV in their cabs.

[@dinkusmcgee1015]

Quite honestly, I don't know as much as a wine expert about wine but I can definitely tell the difference between the two, only because I find cabernets so high in tannins that that is all I can taste for some reason. I know that Merlot's are almost as high in tannins but I don't know why I cannot taste them in Merlot but I can in the cabs. And I've tried so many of each. is this weird?

[@MsJavaWolf]

I can also usually do it but it also depends on the region etc. I had quite a few very tannic Chilean Cabernets lately and now I am drinking a cabernet dominant Bordeaux and the tannins are almost not there.

[@carlcadregari7768]

Love these vids....

[@JonnyBrown-fh6mo]

Maybe you can answer a question that I can't find the answer to on the Internet. Which yeast is the best to make Merlot with. I use CY 17 for my blackberry wine. It seems a little to sweet for my Merlot

[@mustangw8ford415]

I dont come here for wine. I came here for her

[@KIZZBATABOL]

Can you mix the 2 together ??

[@bsykesbeats4013]

I'm confused, corked wine is bad?

[@louisd.8928]

It's funny to me that you would compare those two varietals in their own right. From my perspective, I've rarely had any of them on their own, but rather blended together in, you most probably guessed it, Bordeaux. I have the fondest memory of this 20 euros bottle of a Margaux AOC (not a Chateau, mind you, I wish I had that kind of money) I had during my last time in Paris. In many ways, Cab Sauv and Merlot really compliment each other's weaknesses: Merlot is *edit often* too weak and subdued, Cab Sauv is *edit often* too upfront and green. But together, they can create true magic! Keep up the good work, and keep on doing it in your own style! This world could do without one or two (or one thousand) snooty wine critics, and with one more who's charming, likeable and relatable, even if your palate and mine don't always agree ;) *edit* My post was done before having even finished with your video. Genuinely surprised with the grand reveal. Judging from your description, I also would have assumed the first one to be Merlot, and the second one to be Cab Sauv. That alone illustrates how wine making is so much more than merely growing varietals. What the winemaker does with whatever liquids are extracted is at least, if not more, important than whatever grape is used in the process.

[@Winefolly]

I WAS SURPRISED TOO! Thanks for the awesome comment Louis :)

[@leonardoaraujo8364]

From the description , I would go the same way too!

[@viliuzk]

Alternative of corked wine ?

[@mate53]

To this day, one of the best wines I've had, flavor and body wise (not so much price wise) was Duck Horn Merlot. My dad gives me crap about merlots because of the movie "Sideways" which I never watched but I work at a wine forward restaurant and this video said exactly what I wanted to hear.

[@Winefolly]

No need to base your opinion of Merlot on Sideways! Duck Horn's a classic!

[@thedarkness97]

Thank you, you just explained why Cassillero Del Diablo Merlot is £2 cheaper than the Sauvignon version, in my local store..

[@jonchargois-malveaux4919]

Thoughts on ravel and stitch ?

[@TheSoteriologist]

Against all posh vanities, my staple "everyday" Bordeaux is a _right_ bank 2010 Château Clairac, AOC Côtes de Blaye, from 90 % Merlot and only 10% Cab.

[@trexinvert]

All those notes that you are tasting is it from the brief few seconds that the wine is in your mouth, or are those flavors still in your mouth after it is gone?

[@Winefolly]

If you look at video, you'll note that I cut / and speed to make more "palatable" for viewers. It's takes a minute or two.

[@trexinvert]

Okay that explains it. So next time I taste some wine, I will take it slower. Maybe i will be able to detect more flavors. Cheers.

[@geospectrum]

I like merlot. I find it softer and more approachable. Less tannin than cab and more plums than black current. Cab has the black current/ pencil shavings/ leather. Really don’t like the hi alcohol versions ie above 13.5 degrees.

[@ALLOVERNYC]

Nice i like our attitude 😍

[@itsmekenlai]

The movie line that brought tears to Merlot growers around the world: “I am NOT drinking any f’ing Merlot!”

[@andrewyarosh1809]

Ken Lai so maybe Merlot growers and winemakers should not have made the crappy Merlot that came out of Napa before Sideways was made.

[@miguelmarquez4192]

@@andrewyarosh1809 is that what my dad drank in the 80s?!? Gak! i really think thats why i dont like merlot. As an adult I'm not very adventurous, so ive never attempted another. Any suggestions that might sway my opinion??

[@kevingeeting4011]

Merlot is a grape that in the right spot of ground and in the right hands can be stunning! You guys need to try Washington state! Walla Walla or Horse Heaven Hills.

[@davidroncari2138]

She seems slightly drunk 😂

[@talksolot]

she thinks cabernet and merlot are the same so yes, she is drunk

[@Winefolly]

​@@talksolot omg. you're so smart it hurts.

[@Jeremy-yd9ep]

I prefer saying "half drunk". 😀

[@talksolot]

@@Winefolly what? why are you being sarcastic? does it hurt your pride when people disagree with you?

[@SiliconBong]

She's that flatmate you dream of living beside :)

[@comesahorseman]

Either one will give me a wicked headache unless I take Ibuprofen pre-emptively. Even then, sometimes it still gets me. Has to be a terrific Cab or Merlot to be worth it.... Thanks!

[@Winefolly]

I used to get headaches all the time. and then I started my "drink a glass of water program" Changed my freaking life. highly recommended. We are all dehydrated and sleepless on some level.

[@comesahorseman]

@@Winefolly: I can get through a wine party if I discipline myself to take Advil beforehand, then take a wine glass of water between glasses of wine. So, hydration might be a factor. Thanks!!

[@jcarlosquebrado6716]

Honestly, as soon as you started describing glass number 2, I knew it was a merlot, because I've primarily been drink Cabernet Sauvignon, zinfandel, Carmenere, and Malbec this year, and I couldn't relate to your description of glass number 2. Btw, we need more wine documentaries. I mean, good ones, that romanticize wine. Anyone know of a recent one (2021)?

[@tiger1701]

Somm 2 and Somm 3

[@peterpuleo2904]

I wonder if grape variety is over-hyped? Some cabs taste good, and others not. The same is true with other grapes. I recently drank some zinfandel and it was very disappointing, whereas others are good. Vintners treat their wines with additives, and that makes the difference.

[@KippysNippys]

Not the "bliggity black" 😂😂😂

[@moonlightguitars]

Since most your Napa Cabernets and Merlots are blended, who really knows. It's fun trying to find out.

[@moonlightguitars]

Shafer Merlot is 78% Merlot, 14% Malbec, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon.

[@Winefolly]

Yep. You got that right. Still, they can list it as Merlot. Legally.

[@lucianosuarez9563]

She is so funny, like: "WoouuW!!"

[@ZinsWorld]

I'm proud of myself, i guessed right from the color and "luminosity" of it haha, love your channel, i've learned a lot from you, thank you :) #ZinTravels

[@ericabasile358]

Fun video! I love dry dark reds.

[@Winefolly]

And tall handsomes... ;)

[@ericabasile358]

@@Winefolly I'm crying! Good one!!!

[@ThePegasus101]

im not a cab lover .i do love merlot..its smoother

[@LavenderLori406]

Violet merlot Green pepper cab This was FUN Madeline

[@bourbonlover2713]

great job.

[@johnholzhey8149]

There's Napa, and then there's Napa. From Stag's Leap up to Oakville, some better than others. But either of these regions are great.

[@gda295]

great vids

[@dulguuntsg8389]

“I am not drinking fcuking merlot” Sideways 😅😂

[@BeaglefreilaufKalkar]

It is typical of New World wines that they are more about the grape variety than about the terroir, the area where the wine comes from. High-quality Spanish, French and Italian wines are all about the terroir, the region or area, even the winery where the wine comes from. In Germany, it is more like the New World. Personally, I think both are important. The Sauvignon Blanc grapes, which grow on sandy, gravelly soil, provide the aromas of elderflower and gooseberry, combined with the freshness in the mouth, make for a lively wine, on a totally different soil it produces something very different. The Nebbiolo that grows on a soil composed of calcareous marl that is more fertile and compact produces wines that are more perfumed, elegant, fruity and softer - they mature relatively quickly. Nebbilolo that grows on sandstone and sand (poorer, less compact, and less fertile than previous ones) show more power and depth and are fuller-bodied, more robust, and structured. They need a significantly longer life and more time in bottle. What I mean by this is that it is nonsensical to judge a wine on the grape alone, it is only one of the factors. The region, soil and the (micro) climate are equally important factors. Being obsessed with the region is equally nonsense. Take champagne, it is highly prized for being from that very specific region. People are oh how great that is. A couple of hundred meters further down the road you are outside that region and suddenly its not Champagne, and its not as good? It is certainly a lot cheaper, about 1/3 of the price. But guess what, to keep up with demand, a couple of years ago the rules were changed and now the Champagne region has gotten a lot bigger. Suddenly that second tier bubbly wine is now real Champagne and naturally a lot better, because its CHAMPAGNE! I used to organize a lot of wine tastings, also double-blind fizzy wine tastings, and guess what, when people don’t know what they are tasting, really really expensive champagne does not do well. A German Riesling Sekt or a Spanish Cava usually lands on top. Try it yourself and do a double blind tasting, you will really be surprised.

[@peterpuleo2904]

I heard that the movie "Sideways" had a hugely negative impact on Merlot wines from which it still has not recovered.

[@The.Pickle]

I prefer Merlot, it gives me a deeper, warmer, headier experience.

[@raydfbr]

Madeline, I would love to hear your thougts on Brazilian Merlot! How can I send you a bottle ?

[@Winefolly]

it's banging. Actually, I've noted a lot more of those green / herbaceous pyrazine-like flavors on the wines that I've tried. What do you recommend we check out?

[@texinst8282]

“Holy smokes! Jesus Lord! My gosh! Napa Valley...”

[@Winefolly]

I had to edit out the other string of words that poured out of my mouth after that because I'm not sure everyone else would have been on board. heh. Glad you noticed!

[@observingillusion9658]

The difference? that cab will get you closer and faster to god than the merlot but you wont be too far behind with the merlot😀😜

[@squidgy6930]

I’m a welder and a self confessed heathen I have always been a beer drinker but hitting 50 I’ve become partial to the right bottle of red And even my uncouth gob can taste the lightness of Merlot in comparison to 'cabernet sauvignon

[@TheMjphoto45]

I got it right by color. We'll done. What a cute attitude

[@TheRscorp]

I tend to go with Cabs and blends. I think the hate of Merlot following that movie was absolutely stupid, however I don't usually like Merlot and the only reason is, at the very end in almost every Merlot I've tried I get this.....footy kind of musky aftertaste that I don't like at all. And I've even had expensive ones so I'm not sure exactly what it is that I'm tasting. I don't get that flavor on any other red I can think of, it's always Merlot, and I'm always put off by it. I was actually kind of surprised she couldn't tell the difference because I was expecting her to say something like "This one has that typical Merlot aftertaste". Probably I'm just nuts.

[@catherinejassy3579]

Hey nothing wrong with a good corked wine haha.. I love this girl, I need to take her wine shopping with me !🤣🍷 they both sounded delicious 🍷🍷

[@xuxutumarexuxutumare4695]

Carmenere is the best Wine, saludos desde chile

[@dennistsiorbas859]

I'm late to the party; two comments: Would be nice to have the vintage of the wines you taste, and my, you are so cute/sweet!

[@Winefolly]

Next time!

[@RAD6150]

She does show the labels. For the first one: Gibbs Three Clones Cabernet Sauvignon 2018... and she also says the second one Schafer Merlot 2014

[@jacksonsteele3403]

She's cute

[@scottwatters4433]

Buzzed blogging is fun! No rules on those huge California Merlots is there...

[@geno816]

Sometimes cheaper wine. Tastes just as good. Why not buy merlot?

[@geospectrum]

Crazy alcohol levels, how the hell do they make a balanced wine?

[@comesahorseman]

Ask a winemaker, they'd probably say something about lots of extract to balance the alcohol. Skin contact time, etc. Reality, I think, is that they're not trying to make a balanced wine so much as they're making a boomer of a wine that will stand out in a blind tasting. Impressive stuff, but hard to drink in any quantity. Just my opinion. Cheers!

[@figtreegenerationz9112]

Smell the Yeast？？ You're my teacher now haha

[@djeffvinostv8061]

Firts Time i ever seen a 15 AVL Grade Merlot...Im Shock!!!

[@Moosephine333]

I like Merlot way more I’ve had a repulsion to red wines until I discovered Merlot!!! Idk what did it but man oh man!

[@pascalvanaubel1602]

She is the Mark Wiens of wines.

[@jamesec1949]

You’re a riot! Cute too.

[@cashmoney8464]

Merry me now! 😃

[@LavenderLori406]

Damn!

[@gurgisjones1120]

My experience has been that merlots (that I've had) are more oaked than the cabs, and to me, less desirable.

[@ilyavladimirovich2283]

Интересно смотреть на дегустацию... я пью свой каберне совиньон со своим хамоном. Сначала я хотел научиться делать хамон, окей за три года научился. Но потом вино... и на второй год выбирая между шираз и каберне сразу хороший результат результат с Каберне Совиньон. Стучите и вам откроют...

[@daxvolfan]

I love Merlot!

[@Winefolly]

yaaaaaaas!!! me too

[@awc723]

would have thought you'd go with Duckhorn if you were going Napa Merlot....

[@Winefolly]

Tis a good choice! As a matter of fact we did this epic article using Duckhorn: winefolly.com/review/how-wines-age/

[@egshane]

strange...am I suppose to watch this video as if I were under the affects of the wine...focus is off.

[@evanpowers1226]

Taste some Tokaj Furmint wines from Hungary!

[@talksolot]

fcuk hungry, sht hole country of cretins

[@talksolot]

i have not forgotten the neanderthalic photog tripping the man with the baby. i will not forgive savagery.

[@Winefolly]

AS A MATTER OF FACT! I have two dry Furmint wines at the ready. Go go Hungary!

[@Winefolly]

@@talksolot L to spell newb-tator.

[@OldSchoolVisions]

pair with a steak tartare, fire

[@tobiasreynaers6118]

I’m surprised. Actually it’s not that hard, but maybe these teo are not what I call ‘reference wines’.

[@Winefolly]

Tobias Reynaers i like this term. I call reference wines ‘classic wines,’ but this is to the point and not as snotty.

[@Yooriber]

You picked one hell of a merlot.

[@valentin4155]

she is gorgeaus😍😍😍😍

[@robertlove2168]

First she detected the corked wine, later she shows the other two bottle with corks. Huh?

[@pabloagustinrossi1381]

She's like a fancy Kimmy Schmidt

[@MetalsForBrunch]

cabs are stronger in alcohol scent and more sour than Merlot. lol

[@ambiamz]

Thank you that’s all I wanted to know lol

[@jonchargois-malveaux4919]

😮

[@joeynones]

Madeline is drunk hahaha

[@lgflanang]

Already bombed.. LOL.

[@lindaeasley4336]

I agree .Corked wine sucks . Screw caps much better

[@kaganozturk3295]

Turkce altyazi yapabilecek kimse yok mu ?

[@ahmetb.9816]

Tadına bakarak sol elindekinin Merlot olduğunu düşündü, ama koklayarak sağ elindekinin merlot olduğunu düşündüğünü söyledi sonda da sağ elindeki cabernet çıktı soldaki merlotta 13.5 alkol çıktığını söyledi

[@kaganozturk3295]

@@ahmetb.9816 teşekkürler 1 yıl sonra güzel bi haber artık anlayabiliyorum :)

[@maguro008]

Shafer rocks

[@jaykay719]

Blighity black deep and slow I know y’all didn’t miss that lmao 🤣

[@dodgeball693]

Based on your tasting notes, 1 is Merlot, 2 is cab...

[@gioplease6848]

I drink so much Cabernet that as soon as I taste merlot I can tell it’s not Cabernet. Merlot is not as sweet. Cabernet has a little bit of a sweet aftertaste. Merlot is a bit tasteless to me.

[@Winefolly]

well, I wonder what type you're tasting because I find your statement isn't true on a lot of Cabernet wines. maybe it's a brand thing?

[@gioplease6848]

@@Winefolly I just pick up a hint of sweet fruitiness from the Cabernet. It’s very subtle. I don’t get that from Merlot. The Merlot feels a lot dryer to me.

[@melbahrami3389]

@@gioplease6848 I agree. I too found Cab less dry than Merlot. Nonetheless, Cab never tastes any sweet to me!

[@bunnycatch3r]

Merlot is a crooked smile.