Merlot vs. Shiraz — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 23, 2023
Merlot is a soft, smooth red wine originating from Bordeaux, while Shiraz, known as Syrah elsewhere, is a bold, spicy red wine primarily associated with Australia.
Difference Between Merlot and Shiraz
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Merlot and Shiraz are two distinct grape varieties producing red wines, each with its unique characteristics. Merlot is known for its soft, velvety texture and is often described as having flavors of plum, black cherry, and herbal notes.
In contrast, Shiraz, especially from Australia, tends to be bold, full-bodied, and exhibits flavors of blackberry, mint, and often a peppery spice. Originating as the Syrah grape in France, it took on the name Shiraz in Australia and showcases a more robust profile than its French counterpart.
The regions where Merlot and Shiraz grapes predominantly grow also differ. Merlot, originally from the Bordeaux region of France, is now cultivated worldwide, with significant plantings in France, Italy, and the United States, especially California. Its ability to blend well with other grapes, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, has made it a favorite in many wine blends.
Shiraz, on the other hand, has gained much of its fame from the Australian wine regions, particularly Barossa Valley. While it's known as Syrah in its native Rhône Valley in France and in other regions like the U.S., the unique Australian terroir has given Shiraz a distinguishing character that stands apart.
Ultimately, while both Merlot and Shiraz are red wines, their flavor profiles, origins, and the regions they thrive in make them distinct in the vast world of wine.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Origin
Bordeaux, France
Rhône Valley, France (as Syrah)
Primary Flavors
Plum, black cherry, herbal
Blackberry, mint, peppery spice
Texture
Soft, velvety
Bold, full-bodied
Key Regions
France, Italy, California
Australia (particularly as Shiraz), France, U.S.
Blending
Often blended, especially with Cabernet Sauvignon
Frequently stands alone, but can be blended
Compare with Definitions
Merlot
A grape variety producing soft red wine.
The Merlot from California is especially velvety.
Shiraz
Australian name for the Syrah grape.
In France, this wine would be labeled as Syrah, not Shiraz.
Merlot
Known for plum and black cherry flavors.
This Merlot has pronounced herbal undertones.
Shiraz
A grape variety known for producing bold red wines.
The Shiraz from Barossa Valley is intensely flavorful.
Merlot
Originates from Bordeaux, France.
French Merlot wines have set the benchmark for quality.
Shiraz
Thrives in Australian wine regions.
Shiraz has become synonymous with Australian wine culture.
Merlot
Often blended with other grape varieties.
The blend of Merlot and Cabernet creates a balanced wine.
Shiraz
Characterized by blackberry, mint, and peppery notes.
This Shiraz has a spicy kick, hinting at black pepper.
Merlot
A popular choice for many red wine enthusiasts.
For a smooth finish, I'd recommend a bottle of Merlot.
Shiraz
Often full-bodied with a robust profile.
For a wine with depth, choose a Shiraz.
Merlot
Merlot is a dark blue–colored wine grape variety, that is used as both a blending grape and for varietal wines. The name Merlot is thought to be a diminutive of merle, the French name for the blackbird, probably a reference to the color of the grape.
Shiraz
Shiraz ( (listen); Persian: شیراز, romanized: Šîrâz [ʃiːˈrɒːz] (listen)) is the fifth-most-populous city of Iran and the capital of Fars Province, which is also known as Pars (پارس, Pārs) and Persis (Persia). At the 2016 census, the population of the city was 1,869,001 and its built-up area with "Shahr-e Jadid-e Sadra" (Sadra New Town) was home to 1,565,572 inhabitants.
Merlot
A variety of grape originally grown in the Bordeaux region of France that is used to make red wine.
Shiraz
The Syrah grape, especially when grown in Australia.
Merlot
A dry red wine made from this grape.
Shiraz
A red wine made from this grape.
Merlot
Black wine grape originally from the region of Bordeaux
Shiraz
Alternative case form of Shiraz
Merlot
Dry red wine made from a grape grown widely in Bordeaux and California
Shiraz
A kind of Persian wine; - so called from the place whence it is brought.
Shiraz
A city in central southwestern Iran; ruins of ancient Persepolis are nearby
Common Curiosities
Where did Merlot originate?
Merlot originated in the Bordeaux region of France.
Are Merlot and Shiraz the same?
No, Merlot and Shiraz are distinct grape varieties with different flavor profiles.
Is Shiraz the same as Syrah?
Yes, Shiraz is the name for Syrah in Australia.
Why is Australian Shiraz so popular?
Australian Shiraz is known for its bold, unique flavors and is representative of the Australian terroir.
Is Merlot a good wine for beginners?
Yes, Merlot's smooth profile often makes it a favorite among new wine drinkers.
Are there sweet versions of Shiraz?
While Shiraz is typically dry, there are some sweeter versions, often labeled as "Shiraz-Cabernet."
Are both wines red?
Yes, both Merlot and Shiraz produce red wines.
Which is smoother, Merlot or Shiraz?
Typically, Merlot is smoother, while Shiraz is more robust and spicy.
What foods pair well with Shiraz?
Grilled meats, BBQ dishes, and spicy foods often pair well with Shiraz.
What is the key difference in taste between Merlot and Shiraz?
Merlot is often plum and cherry-driven, while Shiraz has blackberry and peppery notes.
Can both Merlot and Shiraz be aged?
Yes, both wines can benefit from aging, but it depends on the wine's structure and quality.
Can Merlot be a full-bodied wine?
Yes, while typically softer, Merlot can also be crafted into full-bodied wines.
Do Merlot and Shiraz grapes grow in the same regions?
While both grapes are grown worldwide, Merlot is especially associated with Bordeaux and Shiraz with Australia.
Which is more tannic, Merlot or Shiraz?
Generally, Shiraz has more tannins, but tannic levels can vary based on winemaking.
Are Merlot and Shiraz wines expensive?
Prices vary, but both Merlot and Shiraz wines have a wide range, from affordable to premium bottles.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
CV vs. CP
Next Comparison
Lavatory vs. SinkAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
