When you’re looking for a dry red wine to pair with dinner, it can be hard to make the right choice. Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to taste and flavor, but in terms of whether or not a particular wine is dry, there are only two contenders that come to mind – Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.
So which one is drier?
Cabernet Sauvignon has higher tannin levels than Pinot Noir, making it quite a bit drier than its counterpart. Cabernet also tends to have a slightly higher alcohol content than Pinot Noir which adds an extra layer of dryness to the overall taste profile of the wine.
Let’s further explore the nuances between these two classic wines.
Cabernet Sauvignon vs. Pinot Noir
Cabernet Sauvignon is an intense red wine that is tannic and full-bodied with dark fruit flavors like black cherry, blackberry, currant, and plum.
It usually has higher levels of alcohol content due to its high sugar content. In terms of taste, Cabernets tend to be very dry with a strong presence of tannins which give it a bitter finish.
Pinot Noir, on the other hand, is a lighter-bodied red wine with more delicate flavors such as raspberry, cherry, strawberry, and earthy notes like mushrooms or truffles. It tends to have lower alcohol levels than Cabernet Sauvignon but can still be quite dry since it has low residual sugar levels similar to Merlot and Petite Sirah wines.
Despite their low tannin levels, Pinot Noirs are well known for their complexity in flavor due to their range of berry flavors that linger on the palate.
The key difference between the two wines lies in their tannin levels – Cabernet Sauvignon has higher tannin levels which makes it much drier than Pinot Noir due to its bitterness. While both wines are great accompaniments for food pairings such as beef dishes or grilled vegetables, when it comes down to deciding which one is a drier wine – Cabernet Sauvignon will win every time.
Taste Differences Between Cabernet and Pinot Noir
The main difference in taste lies in the tannin levels of each wine. While both wines can be enjoyed for their complexity in flavor, when it comes down to drier wines, Cabernet Sauvignon will always offer a more dry experience than Pinot Noir.
The tannins in wine are naturally occurring compounds that are found in some plants and fruits that give wine its tart flavor as well as its color. Wine also gets its body from tannins; the more tannin there is in a wine, the fuller bodied it will be.
When comparing the two wines side by side, Cabernet Sauvignon will always be the drier choice as it holds significantly higher levels of tannin than Pinot Noir.
Acidity in Wine
Acidity is another factor that can affect how dry a wine tastes.
Acidity in wine helps balance out the sweetness in wine by providing structure and complexity. The acidity in both Cabernet and Pinot Noir is quite high; however, because Cabernet Sauvignon has higher levels of tannin, it creates an overall drying effect on the palate compared to Pinot Noir.
Acids give wines their tart and sour taste and help balance out the sweetness from residual sugar or other sweeteners that may be added.
In addition to adding flavor to a wine, acids also serve important structural roles by providing body and texture in addition to contributing to aging potential.
All wines are usually on the acidic side of the pH spectrum, ranging from 2.5 to 4.5 pH. The lower the number, the higher the acidity; as such, wines with lower pH levels have a more tart and sour taste. Higher acidity wines tend to be crisp and refreshing while lower acidity wines can be smooth or sweet.
When it comes to choosing a bottle of wine, it’s important to pay attention to both its alcohol content as well as its acidity level. Too much or too little of either can make for an unpleasant drinking experience.
For instance, overly acidic wines may cause mouth-puckering or burning sensations whereas low-acid wines may feel flabby or insipid on the palate. It’s best to find a balance between these two elements for optimal enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, which red wine you choose really depends on your personal preference when it comes down to taste and flavor profiles. But if you’re looking for something drier than usual then Cabernet Sauvignon may be just what you need.
With higher tannin levels and a slightly higher alcohol content compared with Pinot Noir, this classic red carries an extra layer of dryness that may just be what your palate craves.
So if you happen to be shopping for a bottle of wine, remember to compare these two incredible wine options side by side and see which taste profile you prefer.
