Cabernet Sauvignon vs. Shiraz: Key Differences

Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are the two most popular red wines in the beverage market. Apart from having a lot of similarities between the two, both of these wines have certain traits of difference. You can dive in to know particular key distinctions in Cabernet Sauvignon Vs. Shiraz. As you can distinguish both wines easily, it will clarify all ingredients, traits, and features of each one. Keep reading till the end to discover the differences between Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

Cabernet Sauvignon: What You Need To Know?

In Cabernet Sauvignon vs. Shiraz debate, the first one, i.e., Cabernet Sauvignon, comes from the Eurasian geographical area variety. Also referred to as Cabernet, this wine comes with small fruit spikes and medium density. The grapes are basically in conical shape & known to be of high-quality fruit items. The Cabernet Sauvignon is found in the Bordeaux region of France and quickly grows in various climates. However, a variety of grapes is now grown throughout the world.

Nature of Cabernet Sauvignon

The red wines from Cabernet Sauvignon come loaded with flavor and aroma of mint, cassis, green pepper, plum, other young fruits, cedar, leather, tobacco, and mushroom. These are the old quality grapes with impeccable taste preferences. It is a dark-colored wine that can be stored for around 15 years and has cassis, rich fruitiness, black cherry flavors, high tannins, and acidity.

Food Pairing with Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is considered the youngest and most fresh wine across the globe. It can be paired with seasonal meats and cured pasta dishes. The old Cabernet Sauvignon wines can be well suited with the grilled/roasted meats. However, it is advised to give your favorite dishes a try. There is nothing wrong with experimenting with food choices and wine unless it satisfies the surge in cravings.

Shiraz: What You Need To Know?

Shiraz, also referred to as Syrah, is old wine created with rare grape variety. Although, the origin of the Shiraz is not sure and somewhat mysterious. As per many historians and wine experts, it originated somewhere in France. The grape variety is a cross somewhere between two ancient grape varieties – Mondeuse Blanche and Dureza. These grapes are found near the Northern Rhone Valley in eastern France location. Nowadays, also famous as Syrah happens to be an ancient variety that contributes to creating the best wines in the world. Some even predict that these grapes are older than the common era.

Nature of Shiraz

The wines created using Syrah are dark, Tannic, powered full-bodied & loaded with impressive aromas of cassis, blackberries, blueberries, black pepper, violets, dried herbs, and cloves. Because of vine grains, the Shiraz keeps you completely safe from any disease. These are majorly dependent on the region where they are grown. The intense flavor and aroma of black fruit and pepper make its wine experience distinguished from others.

Food Pairing with Shiraz

Ideal for storing oak barrels, this wine category is famous in entire France and Australia. It even contributes to creating dry reds found in France’s Rhone Valley that have aromas of blackberries, black pepper, and spice. You can pair this wine perfectly with grilled meat, lamb, smoked, and roast chicken. Some even like to pair these with fish.

Key Differences: Cabernet Sauvignon vs. Shiraz

Similarities between Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz

Let’s explore some more differences between Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. But, before that, let’s narrow down some of the significant similarities.

• Although, both varieties of wines are thick-skinned & even have dark colors.
• In a cooler climate, both wines remain in medium color, while as the weather gets hotter, the color keeps turning to a darker shade.
• Cabernet Sauvignon is of ruby red, and Shiraz has a more purplish shade of color. Thus, there are a lot of similarities between the two varieties too.

Differences between Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz

• Between Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon has a high acidity level while Shiraz has comparatively low acidity standards.
• They both differ in terms of sensation level, irrespective of many tannins. With Cabernet Sauvignon, you can experience full of character sensations to the taste. On the contrary, Shiraz comes with a smooth and elegant taste.
• In Cabernet Sauvignon, the prominent black cherry fruit flavors are profoundly impacted, while Shiraz comes with floral flavor. The best part is that both wine tastes can suit well with any dish, and hence the food pairings become as facile as possible.

The wines created using Shiraz are more fruity, sweet, and full-bodied with tannins. On the other hand, Cabernet Sauvignon comes with impressive aromas and complex taste. These are known to be more balanced beverages contributing to aging capability.

Final Word

Both Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz have different structures, and hence the choice comes down to personal preference only. While the former is stronger in taste, Shiraz comes with a more smooth and delicate texture. There is no such difference that one is better, but the choice is purely about making the right choice for the occasion. There is no count of both wine lovers across the globe & these are being served on various occasions.

To decide for the one, you need to try each one of them at least. You can even pair the choices with certain food types to have a blasting experience. The key is to keep mixing up the options and experimenting till you achieve the perfect one. Remember that practice makes perfect, and the more you try, the more fantastic wine expert you’ll become. We hope that Cabernet Sauvignon vs. Shiraz proves helpful to everyone who is craving wine out there.

Also, check the difference between Malbec and Shiraz.