Cabernet vs. Shiraz: Exploring the differences in taste and character
When it comes to choosing the perfect red wine, navigating the vast selection can be overwhelming. One common dilemma that wine enthusiasts often face is understanding the difference between Cabernet and Shiraz. These two red wines are among the most popular and beloved varietals in the world. In this article, we will explore the different characteristics, flavors and pairings of Cabernet and Shiraz, providing you with a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed choice.
What is Cabernet?
Cabernet, also known as Cabernet Sauvignon, is a widely recognized grape variety that enjoys worldwide popularity. It is known for its versatility, making it a preferred choice for winemakers around the world. Cabernet grapes are grown in many regions, including France, Chile, the United States, South Africa, Australia and Italy.
Grape Characteristics
- A smaller grape with thick, dark skin, generally spherical in shape.
Aged
- Typically aged for 1-15 years
Mouthfeel
- Full bodied, leaving a thick and viscous sensation in the mouth.
Color
- Deep, dark ruby red color that may fade with age
Aroma
- Plum, blackberry, blackcurrant, black cherry, green pepper
- Vanilla, clove, mushroom, leather, tobacco, wood (from wood barrel aging)
Taste
- plum, blackberry, cassis, black cherry, vanilla, clove, black pepper
Tart Acidity
- Medium Acidity
Tannic
- Medium Tannin
ABV (Alcohol by Volume)
- Usually between 13% and 15.5%.
Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its diverse flavor profile, which can vary depending on region and environmental factors. Young Cabernet wines offer hints of plum, blackberry, cassis and black cherry, with some regions adding prominent green pepper aromas. As Cabernet ages, it develops a more woody flavor, including notes of oak, vanilla, cloves, mushrooms, leather and tobacco. The flavor of most Cabernet wines is characterized by dark fruits such as plums, blackberries and black cherries, along with hints of vanilla, blackcurrants, licorice and black pepper. The moderate acidity of Cabernet wines makes them relatively easy to drink.
What is Shiraz?
Shiraz, also known as Syrah in some regions, is another popular red grape variety. While there is a technical difference between Shiraz and Syrah based on their origins, we will treat them as one variety for the purposes of this article. Shiraz grapes are widely grown and can be found in France, Australia, Spain, and other countries.
Grape Characteristics
- A larger grape with a very dark color
Aged
- Typically aged for 5-25 years
Mouthfeel
- Full bodied with a heavy and robust mouthfeel
Color
- Deep, dark red color that may fade with age, but does not become ruby red.
Aroma
- Black fruit, pepper
- Additional aromas may develop with age, such as wood, mushroom, leather and tobacco.
Taste
- Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries
- Other flavors may include black pepper, vanilla, clove, licorice, chocolate, allspice, rosemary, bacon or deli meats, smoke, and tobacco.
Acidity
- Medium Acidity
Tannic
- Medium to High Tannin
ABV (Alcohol by Volume)
- Usually between 13.5% and 15.5%.
Shiraz, or Syrah, is known for its bold and intense flavors. It has aromas of black fruits, such as blackberries and blueberries, with a distinctive peppery note. With age, Shiraz can develop additional complexities, including aromas of wood, mushrooms, leather and tobacco. The flavor profile of Shiraz is characterized by the presence of black fruits, black pepper, vanilla, cloves, licorice, chocolate, allspice and even hints of rosemary, bacon, smoke and tobacco. The mouthfeel of Shiraz is full and robust, offering a rich and satisfying experience.
Differences between Cabernet and Shiraz
While Cabernet and Shiraz share some similarities as full-bodied red wines, there are distinct differences that set them apart:
- Flavor: Cabernet wines generally exhibit flavors of plum, blackberry, cassis and black cherry, with hints of vanilla, clove and black pepper. In contrast, Shiraz is known for its black fruit flavors, including blackberry, blueberry and boysenberry, accompanied by a peppery character and a wider range of complex flavors.
- Color: Cabernet wines typically have a dark ruby red color that can lighten with age. Shiraz wines, on the other hand, retain a deep, dark red color.
- Mouthfeel: Both Cabernet and Shiraz offer a full-bodied mouthfeel, but Cabernet wines tend to have slightly higher acidity and medium tannins, while Shiraz wines have medium acidity and medium to high tannins, resulting in a heavier and more robust mouthfeel.
- Aging: Both Cabernet and Shiraz wines can benefit from aging. Cabernet wines can be aged for up to 15 years, while Shiraz wines can be aged for 5-25 years. Aging increases the complexity and depth of flavors in both wines.
Pairing Cabernet and Shiraz with food
Pairing the right wine with your food can enhance your dining experience. Here are some general guidelines for pairing Cabernet and Shiraz with food:
Cabernet Pairings:
- Grilled or roasted red meats such as steak, lamb or beef
- Rich, hearty stews and braises
- Strong flavored cheeses
- Dark Chocolate Desserts
Shiraz pairings:
- Barbecued or grilled meats, including spiced or smoked preparations
- Game meats, such as deer or wild boar
- Spicy dishes, such as Indian or Moroccan cuisine
- Hard and mature cheeses
- Chocolate based desserts
Remember, these are just suggestions, and personal preference plays an important role in wine pairing. Feel free to experiment and discover your own favorite pairings!
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between Cabernet and Shiraz can help you make an informed choice when choosing a red wine. While both wines offer full-bodied characteristics, Cabernet tends to be slightly lighter in flavor and acidity compared to the bolder and more complex profile of Shiraz. Whether you prefer the elegant and structured nature of Cabernet or the bold and peppery notes of Shiraz, both wines have their own unique charm and can be enjoyed with a variety of delicious dishes. So the next time you find yourself debating between Cabernet and Shiraz, consider the flavors, characteristics and food pairings discussed in this article to enhance your wine tasting experience.
FAQS
What are the main differences between Cabernet and Shiraz?
The main differences between Cabernet and Shiraz are in their flavour profiles, colour, mouthfeel and ageing potential. Cabernet wines typically have aromas of plum, blackberry, blackcurrant and black cherry, with hints of vanilla, clove and black pepper. Shiraz, on the other hand, is known for its black fruit flavours, including blackberry, blueberry and boysenberry, accompanied by a peppery character and a wider range of complex flavours. Cabernet wines have a dark ruby red colour, while Shiraz wines retain a deep, dark red colour. In terms of mouthfeel, Cabernet wines have slightly higher acidity and medium tannins, while Shiraz wines have medium acidity and medium to high tannins, resulting in a heavier and more robust mouthfeel. In addition, Cabernet wines can be aged for up to 15 years, while Shiraz wines can be aged for 5-25 years.
What foods go well with Cabernet?
Cabernet wines go well with grilled or roasted red meats such as steak, lamb or beef. They also complement rich, hearty stews and braised dishes. Strongly-flavoured cheeses and dark chocolate desserts are also excellent with Cabernet.
What foods go well with Shiraz?
Shiraz wines are great with barbecued or grilled meats, including spiced or smoked preparations. They also go well with game, such as venison or wild boar. Spicy dishes, such as Indian or Moroccan cuisine, are enhanced by the bold flavours of Shiraz. Hard and mature cheeses, as well as chocolate desserts, are also delicious with Shiraz.
What does ageing do to Cabernet and Shiraz wines?
Ageing can have a significant impact on the flavours and characteristics of Cabernet and Shiraz wines. Cabernet wines can be aged for up to 15 years, during which time their flavours deepen and develop complexity. Aging allows the wine to integrate and mellow, resulting in smoother tannins and enhanced aromas of oak, vanilla, cloves, mushrooms, leather and tobacco. Similarly, Shiraz wines benefit from ageing, which can range from 5 to 25 years. With age, Shiraz wines develop additional complexity and nuances, including aromas of wood, mushrooms, leather and tobacco, as well as a wider range of flavours such as blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, black pepper, vanilla, cloves, liquorice, chocolate, allspice, rosemary, bacon or cured meats, smoke and tobacco.
Can Cabernet and Shiraz be enjoyed without food?
Absolutely! Cabernet and Shiraz wines can be enjoyed on their own, without food. Their rich flavours and full-bodied characteristics make them delightful sipping wines for wine lovers who appreciate their unique profiles.
Are there other red wine varieties similar to Cabernet and Shiraz?
Yes, there are other red wine varieties that share similarities with Cabernet and Shiraz. Some examples are Merlot, Malbec and Zinfandel. These varietals also offer full-bodied characteristics and a range of flavours, making them well worth exploring for red wine enthusiasts.