Shiraz wine is a popular red wine that is made from the Shiraz grape.
This grape is grown in many different countries, including Australia, France, and the United States.
But what does Shiraz wine taste like?
In this article, we will discuss what makes shiraz wine taste so good, and we will provide some pairing recommendations. We hope you enjoy it!
What Does Shiraz Wine Taste Like?
Shiraz wine has an intensely dark fruity flavor with a touch of pepper, leather, tobacco, a slightly toasty aroma, and a smooth finish.
Shiraz has a higher alcohol content (13%-15.5% ABV) than many wines and should be served chilled to 60-65 degrees F to bring out the best flavors.
Shiraz pairs well with bold foods like barbecued meat, smoky dishes, prime rib, and game meats like venison and elk.
It’s also a perfect selection for barbecued burgers, ribs, and grilled vegetables.
Factors That Affect the Taste of Shiraz
When it comes to wine, many different factors can affect its taste.
- The ripeness of the shiraz grapes
- The climate in which the grapes are grown
- The winemaking process
- How long the bottles are aged before and after sale
When it comes to shiraz wine, the taste can vary quite dramatically between old world shiraz and new world shiraz.
Additionally, aging changes the flavor dramatically. You may prefer a new bottle over an aged one.
However, there are some common flavors that you will find in most shiraz wines.
One of the most notable things about Shiraz wine is its deep red color. This is because the skin of the Shiraz grape is very thick.
The thick skin helps protect the grape from harsh weather conditions, and also gives the wine its rich color.
In addition to its color, shiraz wine is also known for its fruity flavor. This is because the grape has high sugar content.
The sugar helps to balance out the acidity in the wine, and it also gives the wine its sweetness and higher ABV than many other wines.
How Does Shiraz Wine Taste?
The majority of Shiraz wines taste fruity, full-bodied, and have high tannin levels.
The most common flavors that come through are:
- Blackberry
- Plum
- Pepper
- Leather
- Tobacco
Shiraz can pick up a nice smoky aroma depending on the aging process.
Some bottles have a more herbaceous flavor thanks to old-world soil conditions.
When looking at a glass of Shiraz wine, you’ll notice that it is usually a deep purple color.
This is because the grape skins are left on during the fermentation process creating a deeper red in the wine.
Shiraz wines are typically dry, but there are also some sweet and sparkling varieties available.
These wines can range in price from around $15 per bottle to over $100.
If you’re looking for a good quality Shiraz wine, it’s best to consult with a wine expert or do some research online.
What Are Some Good Shiraz Substitutes?
While we don’t think anything tastes quite like shiraz, it is most similar to other fruity red wines like Merlot and Pinot Noir.
It has a slightly sweet taste with hints of spice, making it a versatile food pairing wine.
Shiraz wines are typically medium-bodied with moderate tannins. The flavor profile of shiraz wine can also include notes of blackberry, plum, and pepper.
To this end, you can try a nice charbono, or dolcetto, though the flavor isn’t as rich and dark as shiraz.
How Should I Serve Shiraz Wine?
You should serve Shiraz wine at a cool temperature, about 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you chill the wine too much, you won’t be able to taste all of its complex flavors, while warm shiraz tastes flat.
Using a wine decanter for Shiraz wine is also recommended to allow it to breathe before serving while helping to dissipate extra tannins and bring out the smooth, smoky finish.
What Foods Pair Well With Shiraz Wine?
If you’re looking for a specific dish to pair with your Shiraz, try a recipe that includes blackberry or pepper in the ingredients.
When it comes to pairing shiraz wine with food, there are many different options.
This type of wine pairs well with red meat, as well as strong cheeses.
If you are looking for a lighter option, you can Shiraz wine makes a good chicken piccata wine pairing or goes well with fish so long as the dish has some spice to it.
Pairing Recommendations
- Red Meat
- Strong Cheeses
- Grilled Chicken
- Seasoned, grilled fish
- Wild game
- Smoked meats
- Barbecued meats and burgers
- Grilled seasoned vegetables
No matter what you choose to pair it with, we know you will enjoy this delicious wine. It’s become a favorite around the world for good reason!
What’s the Difference Between Shiraz and Syrah?
The Shiraz and Syrah wines are two of the most popular types of red wine.
Though they share a lot of similarities, there are also some key differences between the two.
Here’s a closer look at what makes these wines unique.
Syrah is the origin of both types of wine. Syrah is grown all over the world, with France as the origin. When the grapes were moved to Australia, Shiraz was born.
The wines taste remarkably the same though the climates where they’re grown are dramatically different.
When it comes to taste, Shiraz wines are typically fruitier and more full-bodied than Syrahs.
They often have notes of blackberry, plum, and pepper, which give them a rich flavor that pairs well with hearty meals.
Syrahs, on the other hand, tend to be earthier and more complex in flavor.
They often have hints of tobacco, leather, and black pepper, making them ideal for pairing with grilled meats or bold cheeses.
Is Shiraz a Good Sipping Wine?
Shiraz is a great option for those who enjoy drinking wine.
This type of wine has a strong flavor that can be enjoyed by many people. The taste of this wine is often described as being fruity and spicy.
If you are looking for a bottle of good sipping wine, then you should consider trying Shiraz.
You may be surprised by how much you enjoy the taste of this unique wine.
For a better adventure, pick up a bottle of Shiraz from Australia and a bottle of Syrah from France and taste the differences and similarities for yourself!
Bottom Line
If you enjoy big, bold red wines, then shiraz is probably a varietal you’ll enjoy.
Shiraz wines are typically full-bodied with high tannins and strong flavors of blackberry, pepper, and spice.
While shiraz wines from Australia tend to be fruitier, those from France – where the grape is also known as syrah – are often more savory and earthy.
If you’re new to drinking shiraz, it can be helpful to try a few different styles to see what you prefer.
Plan a DIY tasting party to discover the intricacies of these delicious wines.