Quick Reference Comparison

Wine VarietyBodyTanninsAcidityCore Flavor Profile
Pinot NoirLightLowHighCranberry, cherry, mushroom, earthy forest floor
MerlotMediumMediumMediumBlack cherry, plum, chocolate, herbal bay leaf
ZinfandelMedium-BoldMediumMedium-LowJammy blackberry, fruit leather, cracked black pepper
Syrah / ShirazBoldMedium-HighMediumBlueberry, plum, smoke, cured meat, black pepper
Cabernet SauvignonBoldHighMediumBlack currant, cedar wood, baking spices, tobacco