Compare › Malbec vs Syrah
Malbec vs Syrah
similar body; similar tannin; similar acidity. Both are usually dry.
Typical structure · knowledge base
MalbecSyrah1 light / dry / low · 5 full / luscious / high
sweetness
1 · 1
body
4 · 4
tannin
4 · 4
acidity
3 · 3
oak
3 · 3
Same 1–5 numbers as the table. Typical for the variety, not a tasting of one wine.
| Malbec | Syrah | |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | red | red |
| sweetness | dry | dry |
| body | full | full |
| tannin | firm | firm |
| acidity | moderate | moderate |
| oak | some | some |
| Aromas | plum, blackberry, violet, black cherry, cocoa | black pepper, blackberry, blueberry, violet, smoked meat |
| Classic regions | Mendoza (Uco Valley, Luján de Cuyo); Cahors | Northern Rhône (Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Cornas, Saint-Joseph, Crozes); Barossa / McLaren Vale; Hawke's Bay |
| Food | steak, barbecue, empanadas, burgers, hard cheese | barbecue, lamb, beef stew, sausages, game |
| Beginner-friendly | yes | less so |
Which should you buy?
Choose Malbec if you want full body with firm tannins and plum, blackberry, violet; it suits steak, barbecue, empanadas. Choose Syrah for full body, firm tannins and black pepper, blackberry, blueberry; it suits barbecue, lamb, beef stew.
Top Malbec
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Enemigo As Bravas Gualtallary Malbec 2018 El Enemigo · Mendoza | £92.59 | |||
| PerSe La Craie Gualtallary 2023 PerSe · Mendoza | £195.26 | |||
| Susana Balbo Nosotros Single Vineyard Nomade 2020 Susana Balbo · Mendoza | £97.60 | |||
| Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Stones Malbec 2022 Catena Zapata · Mendoza | £164.62 | |||
| Matias Riccitelli & Father 2023 Matías Riccitelli · Mendoza | £62.04 | |||
| Achaval Ferrer Finca Altamira Malbec 2021 Achaval Ferrer · Mendoza | £84.98 |
Top Syrah
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chateau La Negly Clos des Truffiers 2022 Chateau La Negly · Languedoc-Roussillon | £121.40 | |||
| Charles Smith K Vintners Royal City Syrah 2021 Charles Smith · Washington | £159.47 | |||
| Vincent Paris Cornas La Geynale 2023 Vincent Paris · Rhône | £42.50 | |||
| Charles Smith K Vintners The Cattle King Syrah 2022 Charles Smith · Washington | £56.59 | |||
| Charles Smith K Vintners The Hidden Syrah 2022 Charles Smith · Washington | £57.78 | |||
| Glaetzer Amon-Ra Shiraz 2022 Glaetzer · South Australia | £74.59 |