Syrah Vs Shiraz Reviews

Now that we’re well into autumn, the wine menus at restaurants and wine stores are starting to reflect the seasonal shift. Gone are the light, fruity pinot grigios and sauvignon blancs; in their place are heartier reds like cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and zinfandel. And while you might be tempted to reach for one of those big reds every time you sit down to drink a glass of wine, I urge you to explore some of the other options out there. This week I’m going to talk about two different grape varietals that often get mixed up: syrah and shiraz. So, which one should you be drinking? Let’s find out.

What is syrah?

Syrah is a dark-skinned grape variety that is used to produce red wine. It is grown extensively in the Rhône Valley of France, as well as in Australia, California, Washington State, and other regions around the world.

Feature of a syrah:

History:  Syrah is a dark-skinned grape variety that is believed to have originated in the Persian region, possibly in the Caucasus Mountains. It is thought that the grape was brought to France by the Roman army in the first century AD.

Price: The price of syrah can vary depending on the region it is grown in and the quality of the wine. However, most bottles of syrah will cost between $10 and $30.

Flavor and Taste: Syrah wines typically have a fruity flavor with notes of blackberry, plum, and pepper. They are often described as being bold, full-bodied, and spicy.

Aging: Syrah wines can be aged for up to 10 years, but they are often enjoyed shortly after they are bottled.

Food Pairings: Syrah wines pair well with rich dishes such as steak or lamb, as well as pork or game meats. They can also be enjoyed with strong cheeses like blue cheese or Gorgonzola.

Key wine regions: Some of the key wine regions where syrah is grown include the Rhône Valley of France, the Barossa Valley of Australia, and the Napa Valley of California.

Alcohol Content: Most syrah wines have an alcohol content of around 14%.

Body: Syrah wines typically have a full body with a rich, bold flavor.

Wine styles: red, bold, fruity, blackberry, plum, pepper, Rhône Valley of France, Barossa Valley of Australia, Napa Valley of California

Calories: Generally, red wine contains about 125 calories per 5-ounce glass, although the calorie content will vary depending on the brand and type of wine.

Color: Dark red

Winemaking Techniques: Syrah wines are often made using the traditional red wine making techniques of fermentation and aging in oak barrels.

Made into wine: Syrah grapes are used to make red wine.

Sweetness: Syrah wines are typically not sweet.

Grape: Syrah

Oak aging: up to 10 years

Ingredient: dark -skinned grape variety

Serving Temperature:  Syrah wines are best served at room temperature, about 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rules of Consumption: Syrah wines are meant to be enjoyed with food and are not typically good choices for drinking on their own.

What is shiraz?

Shiraz is a dark-skinned grape variety that is used to produce red wine. It is grown extensively in Australia, where it is the most popular grape variety, as well as in California and other regions around the world.

Feature of a shiraz:

History: Shiraz is a dark-skinned grape variety that is believed to have originated in the Persian region, possibly in the Caucasus Mountains. It is thought that the grape was brought to Australia by British settlers in the early 1800s.

Price: Shiraz wines can range in price from very affordable to quite expensive, depending on the region where they are made.

Flavor and taste: Shiraz wines typically have a fruity flavor and a moderate level of tannins, which gives them a slightly earthy taste.

Aging: Shiraz wines can be aged for several years, which will give them a more complex flavor.

Food pairings: Shiraz goes well with red meat dishes, as well as with strongly flavored cheeses.

Key wine regions: Some of the key wine-producing regions for shiraz include Australia, California, and Washington State.

Alcohol content: Shiraz wines typically have an alcohol content of around 13-14%.

Body: Shiraz wines are typically medium-bodied.

Wine styles: Shiraz wines can be made in a variety of different styles, ranging from light and fruity to rich and full-bodied.

Calories: A typical glass of shiraz wine will contain around 120-130 calories.

Color: Shiraz wines are typically dark red in color.

Winemaking techniques: Shiraz wines can be made using a variety of different winemaking techniques, including fermentation in stainless steel tanks, oak barrel aging, and malolactic fermentation.

Made into wine: Shiraz grapes can be used to make both still wines and sparkling wines.

Sweetness: Some shiraz wines have a touch of sweetness, while others are completely dry.

Grape: Shiraz is a red grape variety that is used to produce wine. It is grown extensively in Australia, California, and Washington State, as well as in other regions around the world.

Ingredient:  Shiraz wine is made from the Shiraz grape.

Serving Temperature:  Shiraz wines should be served at a temperature of around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Oak aging: Shiraz wines can be aged for up to 10 years in oak barrels, which will give them a more complex flavor.

Rules of Consumption: 

– Pour a small amount of wine into the glass to avoid excess oxygen intake

– Get a good whiff of the wine before you sip it. If you don’t detect any unpleasant smells, then it’s probably okay to drink

– Swirl the wine around in your glass to help release its aromas

– Take a sip and hold it in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing. This will give you time to taste all the flavors and nuances that the wine has to offer

– Don’t fill your glass more than halfway, as this will help preserve the wine’s flavor and aroma.

The similarities of syrah and shiraz:

– They are both grown extensively in Australia and California, as well as in other regions around the world

– They both have a fruity flavor and a moderate level of tannins

– They can both be aged for several years

– They are both typically served at a temperature of around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit.

The difference between syrah and shiraz:

– Shiraz is a red grape variety, while syrah is a black grape variety

– Shiraz wines are typically fruitier and less tannic than syrah wines

– Shiraz wines can be made in a variety of different styles, while syrah wines are typically more robust and full-bodied

– Shiraz wines are usually a little bit sweeter than syrah wines.

The winner:

In general, syrah wines are a little bit more tannic and robust than shiraz wines. However, there is no real “winner” between the two grape varieties, as each wine has its own unique set of characteristics that makes it appealing to different people. So, if you’re looking for a fruity red wine with moderate tannins, then shiraz is probably the best option. But if you’re looking for something a little more complex and full-bodied, then syrah is the better choice. Cheers!

FAQs:

What is the primary difference between a syrah and shiraz?

The primary difference between a syrah and shiraz is that Shiraz is a red grape variety, while Syrah is a black grape variety. Shiraz wines are typically fruitier and less tannic than Syrah wines, and they can be made in a variety of different styles. Syrah wines are typically more robust and full-bodied than Shiraz wines.

Which it is right for me?

That depends on what you’re looking for in a wine. If you want something fruity and moderately tannic, then shiraz is the best option. But if you’re looking for something more complex and full-bodied, then syrah is the better choice. Cheers!

The pros and cons of syrah and shiraz

Syrah pros:

– More tannic and robust than shiraz

– Can be aged for several years

– Often served in a more robust style

Syrah cons:

– A bit less fruity than shiraz

– Tends to be more expensive than shiraz wines

– Some find it too tannic or robust.

Shiraz pros:

– Fruitier than syrah

– Less tannic than syrah

– Can be made in a variety of different styles 

Shiraz cons:

– Tends to be less expensive than syrah wines

– Some find it too fruity or sweet.

Conclusion:

Syrah and shiraz are both red wines that come from the grape varietal Vitis vinifera. They are made in different regions of the world, but they have a lot of similarities. Shiraz is typically fuller bodied with more intense flavor than syrah. Syrah tends to be lighter bodied with subtler flavors. However, there isn’t a hard and fast rule when it comes to these two wines – winemakers often play around with the ingredients to create their own unique blends. If you’re looking for a robust red wine, shiraz might be the way to go. But if you prefer something a little lighter, syrah could be your best bet.