Discover the unique characteristics of Shiraz vs Cabernet Sauvignon, two popular red wine varieties. Learn about their grape origins, flavor profiles, and ideal pairings. Explore the Barossa Valley, Bordeaux region, and more in the world of red wine.
For enthusiastic wine drinkers and adventurous experimenters, the world of red wine offers an array of delightful experiences. While wine can be a serious topic, it's also about enjoyment, social gatherings, and creating moments of joy and laughter with friends and family.
Shiraz, a red wine variety that originated in the Rhône Valley of France, is now synonymous with Australia. Known for being the darkest red wine in the world, Shiraz grapes thrive in various climates and soils, resulting in diverse styles and flavors. From the Barossa Valley to McLaren Vale, Australian Shiraz is celebrated for its bold, full-bodied profile.
On the other hand, Cabernet Sauvignon, often fondly referred to as Cab Sav or simply Cab, is the most popular wine globally. Originating in the Bordeaux region of France, it is a staple in the renowned Bordeaux blends. This grape variety, a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, is remarkably hardy, flourishing in an array of climates from Napa Valley to the Yarra Valley. Cab Sav's popularity is well-earned, thanks to its consistent quality and rich, complex flavors.
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Wine
- Primary Flavors found in Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon
- Shiraz vs Cabernet Sauvignon - Wine Characteristics
- Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Serving Tips
- Where are Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon Grapes Grown?
- Best Food Pairing with Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon
- Other Great Food Pairings with Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon
- Shiraz vs Cabernet Sauvignon: Why Choose One Over the Other?
- More Wine Pairings and Wine Articles
- FAQ's
Why You Will Love This Wine
Shiraz
- Shiraz has concentrated black fruit aromas with a spicy black pepper finish to create a bold and elegant wine.
- The velvety texture of Shiraz packs a punch, making it perfect for special occasions.
- You can enjoy excellent value with a price range around $30 - $50, making it accessible for many wine lovers.
Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cabernet Sauvignon is sumptuous and fruity, with a savory and smoky profile depending on the different regions and winemaker.
- It has robust flavors and a high tannin content which make it one of the more complex and layered wines.
- This elegant wine is known for good quality, with affordable options starting around $20.
Primary Flavors found in Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon
Shiraz
- Warmer climates in Australia and South Africa produce flavors of plum, blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry with secondary spice notes.
- In cooler climates like France, Shiraz exhibits flavors of black currant, dragon fruit, and blackberry, along with bolder spice and earthy notes.
Cabernet Sauvignon
- Generally, Cabernet Sauvignon offers flavors of black cherry, black currant, cedar, baking spices, black pepper, and graphite.
- In the Old World, it features more herbal floral flavors of violets, tobacco, black cherries, and licorice.
- The New World Cabernet Sauvignon highlights black cherry, licorice, black pepper, and vanilla.
Shiraz vs Cabernet Sauvignon - Wine Characteristics
Shiraz
- Profile: Shiraz is a dry wine.
- Body: It is a full-bodied red wine.
- Tannins: Shiraz has medium to high tannins.
- Acidity: It has medium acidity.
- Alcohol: The alcohol content ranges from 13.5% to 15% making it a high alcohol wine.
Cabernet Sauvignon
- Profile: Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry wine.
- Body: It is a medium to full-bodied red wine.
- Tannins: Cabernet sauvignon has high tannins.
- Acidity: It has medium to high acidity.
- Alcohol: The alcohol content ranges from 13.5% to 15%, making it one of the higher alcohol wines.
Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Serving Tips
Shiraz
- Temperature: Serve at 60 – 68°F / 15 – 20°C.
- Decanting: Decant for at least 1 hour.
- Glass type: Red wine glass.
Cabernet Sauvignon
- Temperature: Serve at 60 – 68°F / 15 – 20°C.
- Decanting: Decant for 60+ minutes.
- Glass type: Oversized glass.
Where are Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon Grapes Grown?
Shiraz
- France: In France Shiraz or rather Syrah is produced in the Rhône Valley.
- Australia: Shiraz from Australia is primarily grown in the Barossa Valley.
- Spain: Shiraz is also grown in Castilla- La Mancha, Catalonia, Valencia and Aragon in Spain
- United States: Shiraz is cultivated in California in the United States.
- South Africa: Shiraz grapes are cultivated in the Western Cape region of South Africa.
Cabernet Sauvignon
- France: Cabernet Sauvignon from France is primarily grown in the Bordeaux region.
- Chile: In Chile Cabernet Sauvignon is produced in the Maipo Valley.
- United States: In the United States Cabernet sauvignon is cultivated in the Napa Valley and Sonoma region.
- Australia: Cabernet Sauvignon is extensively grown in the Coonawarra region in South Australia.
Best Food Pairing with Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon
Shiraz
- Shiraz pairs wonderfully with Spicy Food such as Chinese 5 Spice Pork Roast and Indian Tandoori Meat.
- Avoid serving Bland Food with this bold red wine.
Cabernet Sauvignon
- A go-to pairing choice for Cabernet Sauvignon is food that is both High in Flavor and in Fat.
- This wine is the perfect partner for Rich Grilled Meats, Peppery Sauces, and other dishes with High Flavor.
- Avoid pairing with Sweet Chocolate as it will make the wine taste bitter.
Other Great Food Pairings with Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon
Warmer Climate Shiraz
- You need not save your Shiraz wine for lavish dishes only. Shiraz is the perfect wine to serve with Pizza with Spicy Salami or a Beef Burger with Jalapeno is also a particular favorite.
- Strong cheeses such as Aged Cheddar, or Parmigiano-Reggiano are a great choice with Shiraz.
- A Grilled Juicy Cut of Steak with a Black Pepper Rub is especially enjoyable with a glass or two of warmer climate Shiraz.
- Chicken Tikka Masala is a highly recommended food pairing with this bold red wine.
Cooler Climate Syrah
- Next time you have Porcini Mushroom Risotto, try pairing it with a Shiraz from the Rhône Valley in France.
- We especially enjoyed Stuffed Quail Wrapped in Bacon, with a cooler climate Shiraz.
- Lamb Shank with White Beans and Herbes de Provence is an excellent match.
Cabernet Sauvignon
- This red wine with its robust structure can be enjoyed with red meat like Roast Beef, Roast Lamb, Oxtail Stew, Seared Rib-eye Steak and even the humble Burger.
- Cab Sav is a particular favorite with Grilled Pork and Roasted Duck. The high tannins in the wine cut through the fattiness of the meat and enhance the flavors.
- Other great pairings include Mushroom Ragu, and Baked Camembert Cheese.
- You can even serve Cabernet Sauvignon with Spice Rubbed Salmon.
- The bold flavors in Cabernet Sauvignon are perfect with equally bold cheeses such as Gruyere, Aged Cheddar and Parmesan.
Shiraz vs Cabernet Sauvignon: Why Choose One Over the Other?
Shiraz
Shiraz is a bold, intense, full-bodied wine, making it perfect for special occasions. Not for the faint of heart, this wine packs a punch with its robust flavors and is adored by wine lovers.
It is a great wine for pairing with strong, flavorful foods like spicy dishes and red meat. This big red wine offers a delightful peppery spice and dark fruit aroma, making it a favorite among wine enthusiasts.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet sauvignon is the most popular red wine globally, known for its exceptional quality.
Great value options can be found from Chile and Australia. Don't be deterred by screw caps; great Australian cabs are bottled under screwtop. It is known for its rich tannins and complex flavors, making it a versatile choice for various occasions.
Cabs are perfect for pairing with rich meats and flavorful dishes, enhancing the dining experience. Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned for its bold, complex profile, making it a favorite among seasoned wine connoisseurs.
More Wine Pairings and Wine Articles
- Easy Lamb Koftas Recipe (+ What to Serve with Koftas)
- Baked Caprese Chicken (+ Best Side Dishes)
- Easy Orzo Recipe with Garlic, Parmesan, and Herbs
- Mediterranean Bulgur Salad with Chickpeas and Herbs
FAQ's
Shiraz / Syrah
A : Shiraz and Syrah are the same grape variety. The name Shiraz is typically used in Australia and South Africa, while Syrah is used in France and other regions.
A : Syrah is often used in blends, such as the popular Rhône Valley blends, where it is mixed with Grenache and Mourvedre grape varieties to enhance complexity. Shiraz Cabernet blends are also very popular.
A : Yes, Shiraz can be aged in cellars for 10 – 20 years, especially those with high tannins and acidity, improving their complexity and depth over time.
A : Cooler climate Shiraz tends to have high acidity with more peppery and earthy notes, while warmer climate Shiraz showcases ripe fruit flavors like plum and blackberry.
A : Shiraz is known for its bold, full-bodied profile with concentrated black fruit aromas, spicy black pepper finish, and velvety texture.
A : Look for Shiraz from reputable regions like the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale or the Rhône Valley in France. Consider the wine’s vintage and producer reputation.
Cabernet Sauvignon
A : Cabernet Sauvignon is pronounced "ka-ber-NAY so-veen-YAWN."
A : A cross is a grape variety resulting from the breeding of two species within the same genus, while a hybrid is a grape resulting from the breeding of two different species.
A : Yes, Cabernet Sauvignon is often blended with other grapes, but it must contain a certain percentage (usually 75% or more) to be labeled as Cabernet Sauvignon.
A : Cabernet Sauvignon wines are known for their high tannins, full body, and flavors of black cherry, black currant, and cedar, often with a rich, complex profile.
A : Look for Cabernet Sauvignon from renowned regions like Napa Valley or Bordeaux for consistent quality, and consider the producer's reputation for crafting exceptional wines.
In the dynamic world of red wines, both Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon offer unique and compelling experiences. Whether you prefer the bold, spicy notes of a Shiraz or the rich, complex flavors of a Cabernet Sauvignon, there's a perfect wine for every occasion. Explore these grape varieties, experiment with food pairings, and enjoy the journey.
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Cheers to discovering your next favorite wine!
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