Merlot and Shiraz are both big, full-bodied red wines, but each has a unique flavor profile. Use this guide to discover the main differences between Merlot vs Shiraz. And learn about ideal food pairings for each.
Both Merlot and Syrah — or Shiraz as it’s called in Australia — share a French origin. And both are among the most commonly grown types of wine grapes.
But each of these red grapes has notable differences that set them apart, and which garner the favor of wine enthusiasts around the world.
Here’s a look at the unique characteristics of Merlot and Shiraz, including aroma, body, tannin levels, and flavor profiles.
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The origin of Merlot
Merlot has its origins in the Bordeaux region of France and dates as far back as the 14th century. It’s one of the six Bordeaux red wine grapes — along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Carménère — which are used to create Bordeaux blends.
The French word for “little blackbird,” some believe the term “merlot” was originally a reference to the grape’s dark-colored skin.
By the late 18th century, Merlot had gained popularity in Bordeaux, earning a reputation as a grape that produced high-quality wines.
However, a deep frost in the region in 1956 decimated several Merlot vineyards. The troubles for Merlot continued with several years of severe rot. The situation became so dire that in 1970, the French government banned the planting of any new Merlot.
Fortunately, the ban was lifted 5 years later and the grape’s popularity began to rise yet again — this time not only in France. By the 1980s, vineyards in California, particularly the Napa Valley, also began increasing Merlot production, helping lead to a worldwide increase in consumption.
Now more than 650,000 acres of Merlot grapes are grown across the globe — second only to Cabernet Sauvignon.
Along with France and the United States, other major wine regions producing Merlot include Italy, Spain, South Africa, and parts of South America.
The origin of Syrah (or Shiraz)
Like Merlot, Syrah also has its roots in France. The grape originated along the Northern Rhône, and began to gain prominence in the 18th century.
The grape grows best in moderate to warm climates and now ranks in the top 5 of the most widely planted varieties of wine grape in the world. France, Australia, South America, and the United States — especially Washington State — are primary growing regions.
What’s the difference between Syrah and Shiraz
Before we go too much further, let’s clear up any confusion there might be around Syrah and Shiraz.
Both Shiraz and Syrah are the same grape. The only difference is the region where it’s grown. In most areas, the grape and the wine are referred to as Syrah. In Australia, it’s commonly called Shiraz – where it is the most widely grown grape.
The grape was introduced Down Under in the 1830s, and while no one is sure how the term “Shiraz” gained popularity there, it stuck.
Now the terms are often used to denote a style of wine using the Syrah grape. Many winemakers will call a wine Shiraz if it resembles the type that is produced in warmer climates like Australia. Those produced in moderate climates, like the grape’s native France, are typically called Syrahs.
Clear, right? Don’t worry, it’s not that big of a deal. Whether you say Syrah or Shiraz, keep reading to find out how to find a good bottle of either!
Note – While some speculated that Shiraz hailed from the city of the same name in Persia — modern-day Iran — DNA analysis proved its French origin. The area of Shiraz in Iran was also known for wine, but it was a separate style altogether.
Merlot: Flavor characteristics and aroma
Known for its soft tannins and velvety mouthfeel, Merlot has a rich flavor profile that includes dark fruit notes such as black cherries, plum, and raspberry, as well mild notes of vanilla, mocha, and chocolate.
Merlot aromas can range from black currant to caramel, along with cinnamon, cocoa, and nutmeg.
Merlot’s low tannins help mellow out the wine to produce a softer, rounder feel. It’s these factors that make Merlot pleasurable to drink, and that have helped contribute to its popularity.
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc are often used to create Merlot blends.
Syrah/Shiraz: Flavor characteristics and aroma
If you like big, bold reds, chances are you’ll like Syrah. These substantial wines are rich in tannins — so they may feel “grippy” (or very dry) on the tongue when you drink them.
Common flavors include black fruit, plum, blueberry, black pepper, peppercorn, truffles, and smoke.
Australian Shiraz generally is bolder, more tannic, and more fruit forward than Syrahs produced in the cooler climates of France. On the other hand, those types of Syrah wines tend to be a bit spicier with a slightly smoother mouthfeel.
Regardless of whether you have a Syrah or a Shiraz, you’re going to get a rich, meaty wine.
Tannins and Acidity
Two major factors in red wine that determine how it feels and tastes in your mouth when you drink it are tannins and acid.
As mentioned above, high levels of tannins can make a wine feel very dry, and in some cases unpleasantly rough if they’re too prevalent. They can get into red wine through prolonged content of the grape juice with the skins (along with various winemaking techniques).
Too much acidity in red wine can have a similar effect by intensifying the tannins and making the wine coarser. Therefore, wines with medium to low acidity can feel softer when you drink them.
Wines produced in warmer regions will typically have less acidity than those made in cooler climates. In the case of the latter, lower temperatures slow the ripening process and preserve the grape’s acidity, but reduce natural sugar levels, which can result in wines with lower alcohol levels and body.
Merlot
One of the reasons Merlot is so widely grown and is so popular among wine enthusiasts and novices alike is due in part to its soft, mellow tannins. They help make the wine feel velvety and easy to drink. And it also lets the fruit-forward notes shine through.
Merlot is a thin-skinned grape, and since much of a grape’s tannin comes from the skins, Merlots are naturally less tannic than some other reds.
Merlots also have medium acidity levels. The low tannin levels and balanced acidity make them not only pleasant to drink, they’re also versatile and can pair well with various foods.
Syrah/Shiraz
Both Syrah and Shiraz are relatively high in tannins due in part to their thick grape skins. This helps give the wines heft and a full mouthfeel.
But they generally differ in the amount of acidity. Syrah grown in cooler regions can have brighter, high acidity and a bit more tartness, which can help balance out those tannins.
Shiraz produced in warmer regions tends to have more moderate acidity levels, as the grapes can ripen for longer on the vine.
That said, both Syrah and Shiraz are dry wines.
Body
Body, especially in red wine, is closely related to alcohol levels. Grapes grown in warmer weather ripen more easily, leading to lower acidity and higher sugar levels. The higher levels of sugar allow for greater levels of alcohol, which makes the wine feel more full-bodied.
Merlot
Merlots wines are generally medium-bodied to full body, thanks in part to the maritime warm climates in which they’re produced. That leads to generally medium alcohol levels. On average, Merlots have an ABV in the 13% to 14.5% range.
However, their lower levels of tannin still give Merlots a smooth finish and provide an easy-to-drink quality.
Syrah/Shiraz
A cooler climate Syrah will generally be medium to full-bodied wine that feels dense, but is still rounded out and pleasant to drink. It will feature mid-to-high alcohol content in the 13–14.5% range.
Shiraz from warmer regions will have more alcohol — 14% to 15.5% — as the grapes ripen longer and more fully, producing greater sugar levels. The result is wines that feel richer, fruitier, and more full-bodied.
Color
Among red wines, both Syrah and Shiraz are often some of the darkest — usually a rich, deep red to purple in color. This reflects the dark fruit and black pepper notes in their flavor profiles.
Merlot is also somewhat dark in color, but generally it is more of a rich red. Though usually not as dark as a Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon, it has deeper hues than other reds like Pinot Noir.
Aging
Many Merlots — and Syrahs for that matter — are sold with the intent to be consumed soon after buying. But both styles can age very well. If you plan to store them, look for high-quality wines with more tannin. Those tannins will smooth out over time and result in velvety, luscious wines.
Merlot
Most Merlot wines are aged between 3 to 5 years, largely due to their softer tannins. But some high-quality Merlots can age very well for up to 10 years or longer, depending on the body and storage environment. That environment should be cool and dry, and out of direct sunlight.
Syrah/Shiraz
The high tannins in Syrahs make them ideal for long-term aging, as those tannins help preserve the wine. And with aging, the tannic qualities will smooth out and the wine will feel softer. Age Syrahs for 5-10 years for best results.
Some fuller-bodied Shiraz wines can age even longer, up to 20 years.
Food pairings
As with most big red wines, red meat is an ideal food pairing. But there are several other dishes to consider serving with either Merlot or Syrah.
Merlot
Have a bottle of smooth, rich merlot? Try it with dishes like braised pork or lamb, turkey, or roast duck. Lean meats like roast beef or filet mignon also pair well with Merlot — as do mushrooms and sweeter roast vegetables like squash and beets. Or serve it with hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano and Manchego.
Syrah/Shiraz
Both Syrah and Shiraz pair very well with darker meats like lamb. But they also complement spicy foods as well. Try it with meat that has a spiced rub or is barbecued, like BBQ ribs.
Other good pairings: game meats, rich red sauce pastas, stews, and mushrooms.
Price
While you could spend upwards of $50 or $100 for a high-quality Merlot or Shiraz, the good news is that you don’t need to!
A great bottle of either can be found for as little as $15-$20 and can typically be consumed right away.
If you’re looking to store some, you may want to spend a bit more. Look for something in the $25 dollar and up range.
FAQ
Petite Sirah is often confused with Syrah, but the two are actually different grape varieties.
Petite Sirah is the same variety as the Durif grape, which dates back to the mid-19th century. And the Durif grape variety is a cross between Syrah and a more obscure grape called Peloursin. So while they’re related, they are distinct types of grapes.
Merlot vs Syrah/Shiraz summary
Merlot
- Primary growing regions: France, United States, Australia
- Worldwide growing acres: 657,300
- Body: Medium to full
- Color: Deep, rich red
- Acidity: Medium
- Tannins: Low
- Flavor notes: Black cherry, raspberry, vanilla, mocha
- Cost: $15-$20 for ready-to-drink Merlot; $25 and up for higher quality
Syrah/Shiraz
- Primary growing regions: France, United States, Australia (Shiraz)
- Worldwide growing acres: 470,000
- Body: Medium to full
- Color: Deep red to deep purple
- Acidity: Medium
- Tannins: High
- Flavor notes: Black fruit, plum, blueberry, peppercorn, truffles, and smoke
- Cost: $15-$20 for ready-to-drink Syrah/Shiraz; $25 and up for higher quality
While both of these vibrant red wines are among the most popular with wine lovers, they differ in several ways. If you prefer a softer, rounder, easy-drinking wine, then you may opt for a Merlot. If you like something fuller-bodied and meaty, then a Syrah or Shiraz may be the perfect wine for you.
That’s part of the fun of figuring out your specific wine preferences: trying different ones to see what you like. And as long as it tastes good to you, that’s all that really matters.
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