As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that Merlot is not necessarily sweeter than Pinot Noir. While it may seem sweeter due to its lack of strong tannins and earthiness, it is important to note that sweetness in wine is not solely determined by the grape variety.
The perception of sweetness in wine is influenced by several factors, including residual sugar, acidity, and alcohol content. Residual sugar refers to the natural sugars that remain in the wine after fermentation is complete. Wines with higher residual sugar levels will generally taste sweeter.
However, it is worth noting that both Merlot and Pinot Noir are typically made in a dry style, meaning that they have very little residual sugar. Dry wines are fermented until most, if not all, of the sugars have been converted into alcohol. This is different from sweet wines, which intentionally retain some residual sugar to achieve a sweeter taste.
That being said, there can be variations in sweetness levels within each grape variety depending on the winemaking style and the specific vineyard site. For example, a winemaker may choose to leave a small amount of residual sugar in the wine to balance out its acidity or to enhance certain flavor profiles. In this case, a Merlot could potentially have a touch more sweetness than a Pinot Noir, but it would still be considered a dry wine.
It is also important to consider the role of acidity in wine. Even if a wine has very little residual sugar, high levels of acidity can create the perception of sweetness on the palate. This is because acidity helps to balance out the flavors and can make the wine taste more vibrant and lively. Both Merlot and Pinot Noir can exhibit varying levels of acidity, which can influence the perceived sweetness of the wine.
Personal experiences have shown me that Pinot Noir often has a lighter body and higher acidity compared to Merlot, which can give the impression of a drier and less sweet wine. However, this can vary depending on the specific region and winemaking techniques employed.
While Merlot might seem sweeter than Pinot Noir due to its lack of strong tannins and earthiness, both wines are typically made in a dry style with very little residual sugar. The perception of sweetness in wine is influenced by factors such as residual sugar, acidity, and alcohol content. It is important to taste the wines individually to truly understand their sweetness levels, as variations can occur based on winemaking techniques and vineyard characteristics.