Shiraz Vs Merlot: 6 Key Differences & Similarities

Shiraz Vs Merlot: which is the best wine to serve at your next big event?

Being two of the world’s most popular red wines, both Shiraz and Merlot offer unique wine drinking experiences. 

While Shiraz has found its best expression in Australia, the Merlot grape variety is the star of Bordeaux wines, especially Pomerol. In this article, we’ll compare the two grape varieties based on the wine regions, tasting notes, alcohol content, food pairing, and prices and see how they compare with the other red wine grapes.

Shiraz Vs Merlot: 6 Key Differences and Similarities

Here’s a quick summary table showing you the main differences between Shiraz and Merlot:

Let’s explore each of these factors in detail.

1. Grape Variety

Shiraz is a dark-skinned, plum-colored red wine grape that originated in France, where it’s known as Syrah. This dark grape variety was brought to Australia in 1831, where it came to be known as Shiraz.

The Merlot grape variety is thin-skinned, soft, large, and has dark blue-colored berries. It is commonly blended with the Cabernet Sauvignon grape due to its softness. 

2. Wine Regions

The Shiraz grape loves hot summers and long growing seasons, which help it develop a concentrated flavor. 

That’s why this red wine grape is generally grown in France’s Rhone Valley, Australia, and Northern California. This red wine grape is most popular in Australia where it’s produced as varietal wines and also used in blends.

The Merlot grape thrives in lighter climates - the reason why it’s popularly grown in the Bordeaux region, Northern California, Italy, Chile, New Zealand, and Australia’s Barossa Valley. 

Merlot is also a key grape in the Bordeaux red blend (along with Cabernet Sauvignon), giving the wines deep flavors and powerful structure. These Bordeaux reds are some of the finest and most age-worthy reds of France.

In California, Merlot is a go-to varietal wine for red wine lovers, especially affordable brands like Yellow Tail.

3. Tasting Notes

The Shiraz grape produces lively, full-bodied red wine with intense spice notes and medium to high tannin. Old World Shiraz wine from Greece and Sicily showcases robust and earthy flavors - thanks to oak barrel aging. New World red wine, especially Australian Shiraz, exhibits intense black fruit jams, black pepper, and mocha flavor.

Merlot is a milder, medium bodied wine with velvety tannin. A typical Merlot varietal wine has plum, blackberry, and herbal flavors with pronounced chocolate, currant, cedar, and berry notes.

Interestingly, this red wine grape is also used to produce rose and white wine versions produced by limited grape skin contact. In the US, you’ll also find Merlot sparkling wine.

4. Alcohol Content

The alcohol content of a wine is the result of alcoholic fermentation that converts sugar into alcohol. That’s why high alcohol wines usually have low residual sugar. 

Shiraz wine has low residual sugar and 13%-15% ABV. Merlot, on the other hand, is a dry wine with 13%-14.5% ABV. 

5. Food Pairing

To get the best wine tasting experience, pair your Shiraz’s bold flavor and the plush tannin with steak, lamb, and smoked cheeses.

Merlot wine tastes best with lighter foods like seafood, mushrooms, and mild cheeses. Avoid pairing Merlot with strong cheeses and spicy food because they subdue the wine’s subtle fruit flavor.

6. Prices

A bottle of Shiraz can range from around $3 to $800, while Merlots can cost you anywhere from $3 to $4,000+.

That’s because Merlot (especially from Bordeaux) can develop complex flavors as they age, making a cellar-worthy red wine and highly sought-after among wine collectors.

Shiraz and Merlot Vs Other Popular Reds

Here’s how Shiraz and Merlot compare to other popular red wines.

• Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir grapes produce lighter wines with red fruit and black cherry flavors. 
• Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet Sauvignon (often blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc) produces a dry red wine with a fruity flavor. 
• Malbec: Malbec has a fruity character similar to Merlot wine, but it has a distinct spicy after-note.
• Zinfandel:Zinfandel is the sweetest of all red wines with a fruit flavor and high alcohol content. 
• Sangiovese: This medium bodied wine bursts with fresh berry and plum flavors and high acidity.

Grab a Bottle of Your Favorite Red Through Vinovest

Shiraz and Merlot are delicious and versatile red wines perfect to serve at every occasion. 

The finest of these wines can age gracefully for 20-25 years, giving them a high investment potential as well. (Our articles on Shiraz and Merlot will show you the most investment-worthy bottles to buy!) 

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