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Red Vs White

I like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon but I would like to try white wines. What would be the white wine version of them?
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW

That's a very tough call as it is really hard to match these red wines with white equivalents. But here's an attempt, although it's a stretch!

A white equivalent of a soft red with ample fruit like many New World Merlots is a ripe, soft California Chardonnay.

A white equivalent of a firm, dry Cabernet Sauvignon would be a Sauvignon Blanc, which has herbaceous notes and higher acidity as some Cabernets do (and which, by the way, is one of the genetic parents of Cabernet Sauvignon).


About Our Expert

Roger has enjoyed a lengthy career in the wine trade as an importer and retailer, and at present he is an educator, speaker and consultant. He set up and managed Millesima USA, a New York merchant affiliated with a leading European company. Previously, he served as senior executive of importers Frederick Wildman & Sons. In recent years, Roger has judged wine competitions in Argentina, Turkey, Portugal, China and the U.S. Roger is one of America's first Masters of Wine.

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