Merlot Vs. Pinot Noir - Which Red Wine Makes A Better Gift?

Both Pinot Noir and Merlot have a way of showing up and stealing the moment, but they do it in completely different styles. When I pour a Pinot, I’m usually expecting something slow and graceful: lighter in body, bright with acidity, and rich with red-fruit notes of cherry, raspberry, maybe some wild strawberries if you’re lucky. Give it a swirl and you might catch rose petals, a bit of forest floor after rain, or a faint sweet spice note that shows up as the wine warms in the glass. It’s the kind of wine that rewards slowing down and paying attention.

Merlot comes at you differently. It’s generous—supple, round, and easy to relax into. You’ll often find flavours of ripe plum, blackberry compote, cocoa shavings, and sometimes a soft vanilla note if it’s seen some oak. The tannins are usually smooth, rather than being grippy on the palate. If Pinot Noir is a dancer— expressive, poised and a little dramatic under the spotlight—Merlot is the warm, familiar sweater you reach for on a cool evening.

Is one “better”? Not really. They just suit different moods, occasions, and people. If you’re in the mood for something lively and detailed, reach for Pinot Noir. If you want comfort and plush fruit you don’t have to overthink, Merlot’s your bottle. Either way, you’re in good hands.

The Art of Gifting Wine

Gifting wine is always a good idea. Whether it’s for a birthday, a dinner party, a thank-you, or just because—you can rarely go wrong with a well-chosen bottle of wine. But when it comes to picking the perfect red wine as a gift, two names are often most loved: Merlot and Pinot Noir.

Merlot and Pinot Noir wines are loved around the world. Both are elegant, food-friendly, and quite versatile as they're both grown in many wine regions around the world. So when you’re choosing a red wine to include in a wine gift basket, which one should you go for?

Let’s explore the differences between Merlot and Pinot Noir —and help you choose the right wine for your next thoughtful wine gift.

Why Wine Makes a Perfect Gift

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s take a moment to appreciate why wine gifting is such an elegant and a classic choice.

• Wine is personal yet universal— there's no-one who wouldn’t appreciate a good wine bottle, whether they’re a casual drinker or a serious wine enthusiast.
• Wine feels celebratory and thoughtful — especially when paired with gourmet snacks, chocolates, or keepsakes in thoughtfully crafted wine gift baskets.
• With wine, you’re not just gifting a product—you’re gifting a moment. A cozy evening. A shared conversation. A little luxury that feels private.

Still debating red vs. white? Our Red Wine vs. White Wine Gift Guide helps you pick the right bottle for every personality and occasion.

And when you curate a special into a beautiful wine gift basket, it becomes even more memorable and is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Now, let’s dive right into the topic we’re here for - Merlot vs. Pinot Noir and discover the unique qualities these red wines have to offer.

Merlot - Smooth and Soothing Crowd-Pleaser

Merlot has long been the go-to red for easy gifting—and for good reason.

Merlot is very approachable—thanks to its fruit forward nature. It’s typically medium- to full-bodied, with velvety soft tannins and lush fruit flavours of plum, red and black cherry, mocha, toast and vanilla. It’s the kind of red wine that pairs beautifully well with everything from roast chicken or puff pastries to chocolate truffles—making it ideal for gift baskets that include savoury snacks or gourmet chocolates.

Merlot wine doesn’t overwhelm the palate, making it a safe pick if you’re not sure about the recipient’s wine preferences or if they’re new to the wine drinking world. (Read “Wine For Beginners” — understand and appreciate wine better.)

Why is Merlot a perfect gift:

• Great for casual wine lovers or experts
• A perfect wine for cozy holiday or thanksgiving
• A wine to make "just thinking of you" moment even more special

Pro tip: Pair a bottle of California Merlot or a California red blend with dark chocolate coated almonds and aged cheddar for a balanced, luxurious wine gift basket.

Pinot Noir - Elegant, Light, and Sophisticated

On the other side of the wine flavour and aroma spectrum is Pinot Noir—a grape loved for its delicate structure and a very expressive character.

Pinot Noir tends to be lighter-bodied than Merlot, with brighter acidity, low-medium tannins, flavours like fresh red cherry, raspberry, rose petal, and earthy spice. It’s a romantic, elegant and a refined choice—perfect for wine enthusiasts or anyone who enjoys lighter, food-friendly reds.

Pinot Noir is especially good in wine gift baskets with artisan cheeses, smoked salmon, fig spreads, or charcuterie. Pinot Noir wines add a touch of class to any wine gift, especially when sourced from regions like Oregon, Burgundy, or New Zealand.

Why is Pinot Noir a perfect gift:

• Great pick for wine collectors or aficionados
• Perfect red wine for Romantic or special evenings or as a milestone wine gift
• Best pairing partner for elegant dinner parties or host wine gifts

Pro tip: Include a bottle of Oregon Pinot Noir with Brie or smoked gouda, candied pecans, and dried cherries in your next gourmet wine gift basket. Checkout our extensive range of wine and cheese gift hampers and add a touch of panache to the next gift!

Merlot or Pinot Noir - Comparison Table

Merlot vs. Pinot Noir - Wine and Food Pairing Ideas

Pinot Noir wines pair beautifully with lighter dishes because of their subtle flavours and lighter tannins that are enhanced by the wine’s bright and balancing acidity. Pinot Noir wine pairs well with:

• Roasted chicken
• Salmon or tuna sandwiches
• Mushroom risotto
• Brie or Gruyère cheese

Merlot has the depth of plush fruit flavours and intensity of tannins and oak notes—think bolder Merlot based blend from Bordeaux. Merlot wines are an ideal pairing for richer, comforting meals:

• Roast lamb or beef
• Pasta with red sauce
• Grilled Italian sausages
• Aged cheddar or blue cheese

Which Is a Better Gift?

Both wines make excellent gifts, but your choice depends on the recipient:

• Gift Merlot if you want something plush, comforting, and crowd-pleasing—especially for someone new to wine or for easy drinking, cozy and casual occasions.
• Gift Pinot Noir if you're aiming for something elegant, refined, and a little special—perfect for wine lovers and aficionados or more formal events. Thinking of gifting a Pinot Noir? Check out our Pinot Noir Wine Gifts page.

Pro tip: Don’t forget a pairing note, a gourmet treat and a personalised message to make the gift more memorable!

Checkout our blog - Cabernet Sauvignon gifting guide to choose the bold and ultimate red wine gift. Thinking white wines — checkout our pairing guide and wine comparing feature on two iconic white wines — Chardonnay vs. Sauvignon Blanc.

For more gifting inspiration, browse our expert picks in Red Wine to Give as a Gift

FAQs: Pinot Noir vs Merlot

Which one is sweeter: Merlot or Pinot Noir?

Neither of the two is inherently sweet—they are both typically dry red wines as all the grape sugar is converted into alcohol during fermentation. Merlot can taste fruitier and softer, giving the impression of sweetness.

Which one is lighter?

Pinot Noir is generally lighter in body, colour, and tannin than Merlot. Merlot has more intensity of flavours, often coming from oak ageing.

Which one is more acidic?

Pinot Noir usually has higher acidity and brighter, making it feel fresher, more vibrant and well-balanced. Merlot is more fuller on the palate.

Which one has more tannins?

Merlot tends to have more tannins as this grape variety has thicker skins compared to Pinot Noir. But expect smooth and soft tannins rather than drying and astringent ones.

Which is better for beginners?

Merlot is often a go-to red wine for beginners due to its smooth texture and easy-drinking, fruit-forward style.

Final Sip - Merlot vs. Pinot Noir

Both Merlot and Pinot Noir are timeless, thoughtful and noteworthy wines that elevate any gift. Whether you want something smooth and comforting or light and refined, there's a perfect red wine waiting to make someone’s day.

Still undecided? Why not include both! Explore our full red wine gift basket collection to find the perfect pairing for any celebration—elegant, cozy, or anything in between.