Syrah vs Merlot - Explore the nuanced differences between Syrah and Merlot wines. Discover their origins, flavor profiles, and perfect food pairings. Ideal for wine enthusiasts and beginners looking to expand their palate.
Wine enthusiasts often find joy in the adventurous experimentation of pairing food with the perfect wine. While wine can be a serious topic, for us, it's all about enjoyment, social gatherings, and creating moments of joy and laughter with friends and family. Both Syrah and Merlot are beloved red wines with unique characteristics, but they offer distinct nuances and complexities that set them apart.
Syrah, also known as Shiraz, originated in the Rhône Valley of France. Winemakers in cooler-climate regions, both Old World and New World, refer to their wines as Syrah. In contrast, Shiraz grapes are cultivated worldwide, with Australia being particularly synonymous with this variety. Known as the darkest red wine globally, Syrah’s flavor can vary significantly depending on the climate, soil, and winemaking style of the region. Often blended with Grenache and Mourvedre to create the classic Côtes du Rhône blend, Syrah is cherished for its rich and bold profile.
Merlot, on the other hand, has its roots in the Gironde region of western France and is now grown across the globe. It is the second most planted grape variety in the world, following Cabernet Sauvignon, and holds the title of the most planted grape in Bordeaux region. Merlot is known for its velvety texture, thanks to its particular tannin structure, thinner skin, and fewer seeds than its half-sibling, Cabernet Sauvignon, with which it shares a parent in Cabernet Franc. This versatile grape is not only used in Bordeaux blends and Super Tuscans but also stands out as a varietal in its own right, offering versions in white, sparkling, and rosé wines.
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Wine
- Primary Flavors Found in Syrah vs Merlot
- Syrah vs Merlot – Wine Characteristics
- Syrah vs Merlot Wine Serving Tips
- Where Are Syrah and Merlot Grapes Grown?
- Best Food Pairings with Syrah vs Merlot
- Other Great Food Pairings with Syrah and Merlot
- Syrah vs Merlot: Why Choose One Over the Other?
- FAQ's
Why You Will Love This Wine
Syrah
- Experience concentrated black fruit aromas with a spicy black pepper finish, making every sip bold and memorable.
- Syrah offers a velvety texture that’s both elegant and powerful, perfect for special occasions.
- Enjoy exceptional quality wines with prices ranging from $30 to $50, with Syrah being more elegant and lean, while Shiraz is powerful and fruit-driven.
Merlot
- Merlot wines are characterized by their smooth tannins and fruity flavors.
- They typically feature notes of red fruit like red cherries and plums, along with subtle hints of spice and herbs.
- The medium body and soft tannins of Merlot make it an easy-drinking wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
- An entry level Merlot is the perfect choice for a weeknight easy-going supper. It is ideal to serve with simple, everyday meals like pizza.
- A Merlot-dominated blend is more suitable for heavier dinner party dishes. It complements more substantial dishes such as roast turkey and rack of lamb.
- Good quality Merlot wine is available from $15 offering great value.
- Its velvety texture and versatile taste profile have made Merlot a favorite among wine enthusiasts and a staple in the world of red wine.
Primary Flavors Found in Syrah vs Merlot
Syrah
- Syrah grapes grown in cooler climates of France offer fruity flavors like blackberry, blueberry, and boysenberry.
- Wine lovers can expect bolder spice notes such as pepper, clove, and vanilla in Syrah wines.
- Syrah also features more earthy and herbaceous aromas, including mint, rosemary, tobacco, and smoke.
Merlot
- Merlot wines exhibit flavors of black cherry, blackberries, and plum, with hints of herbs and graphite.
- This wine can have a smoky or chocolaty finish, and it ranges from fruity, smooth, and easy-drinking to full-bodied and sophisticated.
- Some Merlots also exhibit floral notes, such as violet.
- Merlot from warmer climates exhibits smoother tannins, higher alcohol content, and a more full-bodied profile.
Syrah vs Merlot – Wine Characteristics
Syrah
- Profile: Syrah is a dry wine.
- Body: It is a full-bodied red wine.
- Tannins: Syrah has medium to high tannins.
- Acidity: It has medium acidity.
- Alcohol: The alcohol content ranges from 13.5% – 15%
Merlot
- Profile: Merlot is a dry wine.
- Body: It is a medium to full-bodied red wine.
- Tannins: It has medium to high tannins.
- Acidity: It has medium acidity.
- Alcohol: The alcohol content ranges from 13.5% – 15%
Syrah vs Merlot Wine Serving Tips
Syrah
- Temperature: Serve at 60 – 68°F / 15 – 20°C.
- Decanting: Decant Syrah for 60+ minutes.
- Glass type: Red wine glass.
Merlot
- Temperature: Serve at 60 – 68°F / 15 – 20°C.
- Decanting: Decant aged Merlot for 30 minutes.
- Glass type: Oversized glass.
Where Are Syrah and Merlot Grapes Grown?
Syrah
- France: Syrah in France is cultivated in the Rhône Valley, Cornas, Hermitage, and St Joseph regions.
- Australia: In Australia Syrah is widely grown in Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Limestone Coast.
- United States: In the United States Syrah is grown in Paso Robles, Napa Valley, Sonoma and Columbia Valley in Washington State.
Merlot
- France: In France Merlot is widely grown in Bordeaux, Pomerol, and Saint-Emilion.
- Italy: Tuscany and Friuli are prominent regions for Merlot in Italy.
- United States: In the United States, Merlot is grown in Napa Valley in California and Columbia Valley in Washington State.
- Chile: Merlot is cultivated in the Central Valley and Maipo Valley regions in Chile.
Best Food Pairings with Syrah vs Merlot
Syrah
- Syrah wine pairs well with Darker Meat and Spicy Food like Chinese 5 Spice Pork Roast and Indian Tandoori Meat.
- It complements Softer, more Aromatic Cheeses (stinky).
- Avoid serving Bland Foods with Syrah as it will be overpowered by this bold wine.
- It is the ideal wine to serve with dishes that have Bold and Robust Flavors.
Merlot
- Merlot is a good match with a wide variety of foods.
- It is an easy drinking wine and pairs well with everyday meals like Pizza.
- The soft, rounded texture and red fruit flavors of Merlot complement Roast Chicken.
- It is served with Pasta Dishes featuring Bacon, Mushrooms, or Cream.
- Merlot is suitable for serving with both casual meals as well as more sophisticated dishes.
Other Great Food Pairings with Syrah and Merlot
Syrah
- Next time you have Porcini Mushroom Risotto, try pairing it with a Syrah from the Rhône Valley in France.
- We especially enjoyed Stuffed Quail Wrapped in Bacon, which we served at a celebratory dinner paired with a cooler climate Shiraz.
- Lamb Shank with White Beans and Herbes de Provence is a great choice to serve with Syrah.
Merlot
- Cured Meats on a Charcuterie platter make a delightful hors d’oeuvre with Merlot.
- Mild Cheeses complement the smooth texture of Merlot.
- If you use Merlot to make Coq Au Vin, why not serve it with a glass of Merlot.
- Merlot is all about the sauce. Try it with Beef Bourguignon.
- For a seafood option, try pairing Merlot with Shrimp Risotto.
Syrah vs Merlot: Why Choose One Over the Other?
Syrah: A Bold and Complex Wine
A wine that is adored by wine lovers is Syrah, offering dark fruit flavors ranging from blueberry to black olive. It is a bold, intense, and full-bodied red wine, perfect for special occasions but definitely not for the faint of heart. It is ideal for those who enjoy wines with a velvety texture and high tannins.
The use of oak barrels during aging adds layers of spice and vanilla, enhancing the wine's overall character. This grape variety pairs exceptionally well with red meat, game meats, and hearty dishes such as thick stews, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts.
Merlot: A Versatile and Elegant Wine
Merlot is a delicate, flavorful, and medium-bodied wine, making it a great choice for beginners. It is known as the most relaxed of the red wines and it’s easily paired with a wide variety of foods. Merlot offers a smooth drinking experience with flavors of black cherry, plum, and subtle herbs. Its versatility and approachability make it suitable for both casual dinners and sophisticated gatherings.
FAQ's
Syrah
A : Shiraz and Syrah are the same grape variety. The name Syrah is typically used in cooler climates, while Shiraz is used in warmer regions like Australia.
A : Yes, Syrah is often used as a blending grape, especially in blends like the classic Côtes du Rhône with Grenache and Mourvedre. Shiraz Cabernet blends are also very popular.
A : Yes, Shiraz wines can be aged for 10 – 20 years in cellars, and they often develop more complex flavors and depth over time.
A : Cooler climate Syrah wines tend to have more acidity and leaner fruit flavors, while warmer climate Shiraz wines are bolder with riper fruit flavors and higher alcohol content.
A : Syrah wines are known for their dark fruit flavors, high tannins, and spicy notes of black pepper and clove, with earthy and herbaceous aromas.
A : Look for Syrah wines from reputable regions like the Rhône Valley or Barossa Valley, and consider those aged in oak for added complexity.
Merlot
A : Yes, the Merlot grape is commonly used in blends, particularly in Bordeaux blends and Super Tuscans, alongside Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
A : Yes, Merlot can be aged for 5 – 20 years in the cellar, where it can develop smoother tannins and more nuanced flavors over time.
A : Cooler climate Merlot wines are typically more structured with higher acidity, while warmer climate Merlot wines are fruitier, with smoother tannins and higher alcohol content.
A : Merlot wines are characterized by their flavors of black cherry, plum, and subtle herbal notes, with a smooth and velvety texture.
A : Choose Merlot from renowned regions like Bordeaux or Napa Valley, and consider wines with a balanced acidity and rich fruit flavor profile.
Both Syrah and Merlot offer unique and delightful experiences for wine lovers, each with its own distinctive characteristics and appeal. Syrah, with its bold, spicy flavors and high tannins, is perfect for those who enjoy intense, full-bodied red wines. Its ability to pair with robust and flavorful dishes makes it a favorite for special occasions.
Merlot, on the other hand, provides a softer, more approachable profile with its smooth texture and rich fruit flavors. It’s versatile enough for casual dinners and sophisticated gatherings alike, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned wine enthusiasts.
Exploring these two remarkable grape varieties will not only enhance your appreciation of fine wines but also elevate your culinary experiences. Whether you prefer the boldness of Syrah or the elegance of Merlot, there’s a world of flavors waiting to be discovered.
Cheers to finding the perfect wine that suits your palate and enhances your moments of joy and laughter with friends and family.
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