One particular wine has been getting a lot of attention as of late, and since it isn’t often labeled on the bottles, a lot of people could refer to it by a few other names.
It is an Australian wine known as Shiraz, which is an adaptation of the French word Syrah.
Because of their long history and wide range of styles, the taste of their wines is never consistent, and it is difficult to place them in a certain order on a list of wines.
If you want to get the most out of this wine, you need to be careful about how you mix it with the other components of your dinner.
Now, what exactly does it taste like to drink Shiraz? You are the one who has to figure it out.
Contents
What is Shiraz?
Shiraz is the name of a specific kind of grape vine, if we were to analyze the name by itself.
On the other hand, the term is most often used to refer to the red wine that is produced from these grapes.
And the red wine known as Shiraz is one that can be appreciated by anybody, regardless of how much experience they have in the world of wine.
They are not only delicious, but they also have a number of positive effects on your body.
Syrah is another name for these grapes, and this is the name that was given to the wine when it was first produced in France. Syrah is also the name of the wine.
This phrase is now used as a label for wines produced by winemakers who like the wines they produce to have a savory flavor, similar to the wines that were traditionally produced in the Old World.
Because Shiraz and Syrah are both varieties of the same type of grape, the name of the resulting wine may either be Shiraz or Syrah depending on where it is produced.
Shiraz is the name given to this wine in countries of the southern hemisphere, such as Australia, which have an abundance of grape-growing land.
Even if it is made from the same grape, wines that are produced in regions with significantly different climates tend to have noticeably distinct flavors.
What Does Shiraz Taste Like?
Peppery and fruity are the two flavors that come to me when I think about Shiraz.
It’s true that many wines have some fruit, but this one strikes the perfect balance between the wine’s tannins and its fruity components.
At first glance, the wine seems to be an opaque dark crimson tint that is rich and ruby red in hue.
On the nose, it has more of a fragrance that is consistent with a robust, peppery, blackberry note.
This wine has a strong presence on the tongue, and it has a potentially dry and smokey flavor.
Additionally, it features hints of crimson and black fruits, as well as spices and black pepper.
Some people even claim that it has aromas and flavors reminiscent of smoked meats such as bacon and beef jerky.
You will discover the answer to that question after you give it a go.
Because Shiraz has a relatively low alcohol concentration (its ABV typically ranges from 13.5% to 15.5%), you may appreciate its flavor without running the risk of being intoxicated.
The depth of the grapes’ skin is one of the characteristics that contributes to this wine’s flavor.
They are thick, and when the wine is being matured in oak barrels, they impart their density and opaque properties into the wine.
The first flavor is pretty powerful, then there is a rather moderate taste in the middle of the tongue, and finally there is a searing aftertaste.
Many people like drawing parallels between the taste of this wine and that of Cabernet Sauvignon, but there are a few key distinctions between the two that we’ll go over in the next sections.
The temperature of the Shiraz, like the temperature of other red wines, is an important aspect that impacts the overall flavor of the beverage.
It should be served at a temperature that is somewhat chilled, between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, since this is the temperature range that is advised.
What to Serve with Shiraz?
You may have a delectable lunch that does not need any additional side dishes if you balance your wine correctly with the food.
And because there are certain things that go better with Shiraz than others, here are a few suggestions:
- Braised or grilled beef: When you are drinking a wine that is full-bodied and high in tannins, the perfect food to pair with it is steak that has been cooked to a perfect tenderness. It’s possible to impart an incredible amount of flavor to beefsteak by braising or grilling it. When it is paired with the wine, it has a flavor that is savory and tangy, and it nearly makes your palate want more.
- BBQ ribs: Ribs grilled in barbecue sauce have a savory flavor without being overbearing, making them an excellent candidate for pairing with a Shiraz that has mild tannins. And you have the option of eating the ribs boneless or with the bone still attached.
- Duck: In the event that your Shiraz leans more toward the fruity side, the fatty flesh of a duck will be the perfect complement to your supper. Actually, the wine is more beneficial to the duck since it helps give the fat a reviving and revitalizing sharpness that it otherwise lacks.
- Hard cheese: Why restrict your selections to meat when you may enjoy delectable dairy products instead? Additionally, when you crack open a new bottle of Shiraz, it is the ideal opportunity to sample some freshly made aged cheese. Alternately, you may try something bold and assertive, like blue cheese, in your cooking experiments.
Shiraz Vs. Cabernet Sauvignon
Now for the discussion that everyone has been waiting for: Does Shiraz have a chance against Cabernet Sauvignon, and if so, which should you drink?
Let’s compare them using some of the criteria that applies to both:
Berries:
The grapes of Shiraz and Cabernet sauvignon both have thick skins, but Shiraz grapes are often bigger, more juicy, and do not need as much time in oak barrels.
The latter, on the other hand, has an excellent potential for aging and improves in flavor with time.
Color:
Both of these wines have a deep crimson hue and a high level of opacity.
On the other hand, Shiraz has more of a ruby red hue, whilst Cabernet is more of a dark ruby.
Bouquet:
Shiraz has a peppery and spicy aroma with hints of fruitiness that become apparent as you spin the wine.
The bouquet of Cabernet Sauvignon is more savory than fruity; it is herbaceous and blackberry-like, and it has undertones of earthy licorice.
Palate:
Tannins are prevalent in both of these wines.
Shiraz, on the other hand, begins with a powerful and acidic front, and it concludes with a delicate mid-palate.
In the meanwhile, the Cabernet Sauvignon has a doughnut impression on the tongue and a lackluster middle.
Which wine do you think would be best for this occasion? That is totally dependant on the things that you like.
If you want a powerful wine that is also fruity and round, Shiraz is the one to go for; however, if you want wines that are more traditional and savory, Cabernet Sauvignon is the one to go for.
FAQs
Is Shiraz wine sweet or dry?
The majority of the time, Syrah and Shiraz are prepared in dry styles; nevertheless, an entry-level Shiraz may sometimes include a hint of residual sweetness (RS). It is important to keep in mind that the taste of ripe fruit flavors like as blueberry and blackberry, particularly in warm-climate Shiraz, is not attributable to the presence of sugar.
Is Shiraz sweet or Merlot?
Merlot wines have a taste that is fruitier and more delicate than Shiraz wines do. Grapes of the Cabernet Franc and Magdeleine Noire varieties were crossed to produce the Merlot variety. The Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche grape types were used in the breeding program that produced the Shiraz kind of grape.
What is Shiraz similar to?
Pinotage. If you want to drink Shiraz and savor the fruity and spicy deliciousness of wines made in the New World manner, then Pinotage is the wine for you. Pinotage is an extremely black grape that has robust flavors and high levels of tannins. It is the result of a hybrid between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Pinotage is practically never found anywhere else in the world and is nearly entirely cultivated in South Africa…
Is Shiraz a good sipping wine?
The robust fruit-driven flavor profiles of Shiraz make the wine an excellent choice for pairing with grilled meats and vegetables, classic barbecue dishes, substantial stews, juicy hamburgers or vegetarian burgers, and a wide variety of other foods.
Is Shiraz cheap wine?
Shiraz is a kind of wine grape that may be used to make wines of varying grades, which in turn can result in a variety of price points for the finished products. Shiraz itself is neither an inexpensive nor an expensive wine.
Is Shiraz good for beginners?
The Finest and Most Approachable Red Wines from Australia
Shiraz: Shiraz wines have a hint of spiciness, making them an ideal beverage for those who like peppery flavors and find them irresistible.
Is Shiraz a light or heavy wine?
Medium Reds
The alcohol percentage of medium-bodied red wines is often between 12.5 and 13.5 percent, and they typically contain a higher concentration of tannins than light-bodied red wines but a lower concentration than full-bodied red wines. Merlot, Shiraz, Tempranillo, and Nebbiolo are some examples of other red wines.
Which red wine is sweetest?
Which wines are at the top of the sweetest red wine chart? Dessert wines make up the first category of wine classification. For people who have a need for sugary treats, alternatives such as ruby Port, tawny Port, and Vin Santo Rosso from Italy are excellent choices.
Why is Shiraz so popular?
The word “Australia” is often interchanged with “Shiraz.” The combination of a global wine culture that was searching for something new and a country that was wanting to export and highlight a wine that it had been producing for over a hundred years led to the rise in popularity of this particular variety.
Final Thought
Shiraz is a wonderful option for full-bodied wines with moderate levels of tannin and should absolutely be included on your wine list. However, it is rather difficult to identify a single taste of this wine.
Their one-of-a-kind flavor might throw off your sense of taste, leading you to keep sipping it even after you realize you are intoxicated and have already downed many glasses.
This only indicates that they are simple to consume, despite the fact that they are opaque and full-bodied, and they may even serve as a wonderful substitute for the well acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon.
Just keep in mind that you should complement the rich, dry taste with some savory, meaty meals so that you don’t completely overload your palate with it.
