Which wine is described as medium to full bodied with soft to moderate acidity and big dark fruit with firm medium tannins?

• A. Merlot
• B. Cabernet Sauvignon
• C. Syrah, Shiraz
• D. Malbec

Answer: (A)

Think about how the wine feels in the mouth (body), how tart or bright it tastes (acidity), the fruit flavors you notice, and how those tannins grip the palate. Merlot typically sits in a medium to full body with soft to moderate acidity, delivering rich dark fruit flavors like plum and blackberry. The tannins are present and noticeable but medium in strength, giving structure without the bite you’d expect from a higher-tannin variety. That combination—lush dark fruit, smooth to moderate acidity, and firm but not aggressive tannins—fits Merlot best. Cabernet Sauvignon tends to show firmer, higher tannins and higher acidity; Syrah/Shiraz often brings spicier notes and bolder tannins; Malbec can be fruit-forward with sometimes softer tannins and moderate acidity.