Cabernet Sauvignon Vs Merlot: Which One Pairs Better With Spicy Food?
You’re preparing a bold, spicy meal, think of chili-laden curries, peppery Mexican fare, or fiery barbecue. Standing in front of your wine rack, a familiar question comes to your mind: “Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, which is the perfect match for spicy food?” This is the worldwide debate of dinner tables where flavor, chemistry, and preference clash. Let’s dive into the world of these bold reds to find out which truly complements your next spicy feast. Cabernet Sauvignon: Bold and Complex 1. Flavor Profile & Structure Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned for its intensity, robust tannins, strong acidity, and deep flavors of black currant, tobacco, and pepper, typically aged in oak for a hint of vanilla and spice. Its higher alcohol content and mouth-drying tannins give it a full-bodied personality. • Notes: Black currant, spice, vanilla, green pepper. • Alcohol: Typically 13-15%. • Tannins: High. • Acidity: Moderate to high. 2. Food Pairing Basics Cabernet Sauvign...