Compare › Syrah vs Cabernet Sauvignon
Syrah vs Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon has more body (very full vs full); Cabernet Sauvignon has more tannin (very firm vs firm); Cabernet Sauvignon has more acidity (fresh vs moderate). Both are usually dry.
| Syrah | Cabernet Sauvignon | |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | red | red |
| sweetness | dry | dry |
| body | full | very full |
| tannin | firm | very firm |
| acidity | moderate | fresh |
| oak | some | noticeable |
| Aromas | black pepper, blackberry, blueberry, violet, smoked meat | blackcurrant, black cherry, cedar, mint, green bell pepper when unripe |
| Classic regions | Northern Rhône (Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Cornas, Saint-Joseph, Crozes); Barossa / McLaren Vale; Hawke's Bay | Médoc / Pauillac / Saint-Julien; Napa Valley; Coonawarra |
| Food | barbecue, lamb, beef stew, sausages, game | steak, roast beef, lamb, burgers, hard cheese |
| Beginner-friendly | less so | less so |
Which should you buy?
Choose Syrah if you want full body with firm tannins and black pepper, blackberry, blueberry; it suits barbecue, lamb, beef stew. Choose Cabernet Sauvignon for very full body, very firm tannins and blackcurrant, black cherry, cedar; it suits steak, roast beef, lamb.
Top Syrah
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chateau La Negly Clos des Truffiers 2022 Chateau La Negly · Languedoc | £121.40 | |||
| Charles Smith K Vintners Royal City Syrah 2021 Charles Smith · Washington | £159.47 | |||
| Vincent Paris Cornas La Geynale 2023 Vincent Paris · Rhone | £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 · Barossa Valley | £74.59 |
Top Cabernet Sauvignon
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Mascot 2021 The Mascot · California | £186.13 | |||
| Andrew Will Sorella 2020 Andrew Will · Washington | £82.31 | |||
| Fattoria Le Pupille Saffredi 2022 Fattoria Le Pupille · Tuscany | £89.24 | |||
| Lapostolle La Parcelle 8 Vieilles Vignes Apalta 2020 Lapostolle · Apalta | £93.31 | |||
| Sena 2021 Sena · Aconcagua Valley | £93.49 | |||
| Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte 2017 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte · Bordeaux | £110.50 |