Compare › Merlot vs Syrah
Merlot vs Syrah
similar body; Syrah has more tannin (firm vs moderate); similar acidity. Both are usually dry.
Typical structure · knowledge base
MerlotSyrah1 light / dry / low · 5 full / luscious / high
sweetness
1 · 1
body
4 · 4
tannin
3 · 4
acidity
3 · 3
oak
3 · 3
Same 1–5 numbers as the table. Typical for the variety, not a tasting of one wine.
| Merlot | Syrah | |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | red | red |
| sweetness | dry | dry |
| body | full | full |
| tannin | moderate | firm |
| acidity | moderate | moderate |
| oak | some | some |
| Aromas | plum, blackberry, black cherry, chocolate | black pepper, blackberry, blueberry, violet, smoked meat |
| Classic regions | Pomerol / Saint-Émilion; Chile; California | Northern Rhône (Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Cornas, Saint-Joseph, Crozes); Barossa / McLaren Vale; Hawke's Bay |
| Food | roast chicken, pork, pasta with meat sauce, mushroom dishes, mild cheese | barbecue, lamb, beef stew, sausages, game |
| Beginner-friendly | yes | less so |
Which should you buy?
Choose Merlot if you want full body with moderate tannins and plum, blackberry, black cherry; it suits roast chicken, pork, pasta with meat sauce. Choose Syrah for full body, firm tannins and black pepper, blackberry, blueberry; it suits barbecue, lamb, beef stew.
Top Merlot
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corte Medicea Atos 2021 La Bollina · Tuscany | £20.36 | |||
| Marjan Simcic Merlot Opoka 2020 Marjan Simcic · Primorska | £49.25 | |||
| Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo 2021 Castello di Ama · Tuscany | £52.68 | |||
| Andrew Will Champoux Red 2019 Andrew Will · Washington | £66.88 | |||
| Long Shadows Pedestal Merlot 2021 Long Shadows · Washington | £67.91 | |||
| Klet Brda De Baguer Single Vineyard Merlot 2019 Klet Brda · Primorska | £68.00 |
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 |