Pinot Noir vs Merlot

[wondersofwine]

Hi Vivace, welcome to the board. I'm not always fond of merlot as a varietal (usually prefer it in a Bordeaux-like blended wine) so my choice with filet of beef would be a cabernet sauvignon most of the time. However, Merlot may be preferable to Pinot Noir for this pairing. Merlot is usually a relatively soft wine (low on tannins) with suggestions of dark plums. Pinot Noir often reminds of red fruits--cherries, raspberries, etc. although it can remind of dark fruits in some styles and vintages. Pinot Noir is the grape variety in red Burgundies and as such is used with beef in Beef Bourgignon dishes. It is also a nice pairing with grilled salmon or with duck, Cornish hen and game birds. I don't think it complements a simple beef filet as well as a Bordeaux or the principal grape varieties used in Bordeaux--cabernet sauvignon and merlot.

[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 11-07-2002).]