Syrah, also known as Shiraz, is a rich and bold red wine that has gained a massive following around the world.
Originating from the Rhône Valley in France, Syrah is known for its deep, dark color, full body, and complex flavors of blackberry, plum, black pepper, and smoked meat.
For those who love the intense profile of Syrah, you may be on the lookout for other wines that offer a similar experience. In this blog post, we’ll explore five wines similar to Syrah that you must try. These alternatives include:
1. Malbec
2. Grenache
3. Petite Sirah
4. Zinfandel
5. Mourvèdre
1. Malbec
Originally from France, Malbec has found its true home in Argentina, where it is now the country’s flagship grape variety. Malbec wines are known for their inky, dark color and robust tannins, making them a great alternative for Syrah lovers.
Tasting Notes
Malbec offers rich flavors of black fruit, such as black cherry and blackberry, along with a hint of black pepper and smoky, earthy undertones. The wine is often aged in oak, which imparts a touch of vanilla and chocolate notes.
Food Pairings
The bold flavors and firm structure of Malbec make it an excellent pairing for grilled meats, such as steak or lamb, as well as robust dishes like stews and chili.
2. Grenache
Grenache, or Garnacha as it’s known in Spain, is another grape variety that hails from the Rhône Valley, making it a natural alternative to Syrah. Grenache is often found in blends with Syrah and Mourvèdre, but it can also produce fantastic single-varietal wines.
Tasting Notes
Grenache wines tend to be more fruit-forward and less tannic than Syrah, but they still offer a bold and full-bodied profile. Expect flavors of ripe red fruits like raspberry and strawberry, along with a touch of white pepper and dried herbs.
Food Pairings
The fruity and spicy character of Grenache makes it a versatile wine for food pairings. It works well with a wide range of dishes, from grilled meats and roasted vegetables to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.
3. Petite Sirah
Despite its name, Petite Sirah is not a smaller version of Syrah, but rather a distinct grape variety that also goes by the name Durif. Petite Sirah is predominantly grown in California, where it produces deeply colored, full-bodied wines.
Tasting Notes
Petite Sirah is known for its intense flavors of black fruit, such as blackberry and blueberry, along with notes of black pepper, licorice, and dark chocolate. The wines have high tannins and acidity, making them suitable for aging.
Food Pairings
The bold and tannic nature of Petite Sirah calls for rich, hearty dishes, such as braised meats, barbecue, and strong cheeses.
4. Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a popular red grape variety in California, known for its powerful and fruit-forward wines. While it has a different flavor profile than Syrah, Zinfandel’s bold character makes it an appealing alternative for those who appreciate a full-bodied red wine.
Tasting Notes
Zinfandel offers a burst of ripe red and black fruits, such as raspberry, blackberry, and black cherry, along with hints of black pepper, clove, and sometimes a touch of smokiness.
Food Pairings
Zinfandel is a versatile wine when it comes to food pairings, as the fruit-forward flavors can complement a wide range of dishes. Try it with barbecued meats, spicy dishes like Mexican or Indian cuisine, or even pizza.
5. Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre, or Monastrell as it’s known in Spain, is another grape variety with roots in the Rhône Valley. Like Syrah, Mourvèdre produces full-bodied, dark-colored wines that can be quite complex.
Tasting Notes
Mourvèdre offers flavors of dark fruit, such as blackberry and blackcurrant, along with earthy, spicy, and sometimes gamey notes. The wine can be quite tannic, making it suitable for aging.
Food Pairings
Mourvèdre’s bold and earthy character makes it a great pairing for hearty dishes, such as roasted meats, game, and rich stews.
Conclusion and My Recommendation
For those who love the rich and bold flavors of Syrah, there are plenty of other wines out there that offer a similar experience. Malbec, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Mourvèdre all provide their unique twists on a full-bodied, dark, and complex red wine.
As a personal recommendation, I would suggest giving Malbec a try, as it offers a beautiful balance between the fruit-forward character of Grenache and the deep, dark intensity of Petite Sirah.
No matter which alternative you choose, remember to explore new wines with an open mind and appreciate the diverse world of flavors that await you. Cheers!
FAQs
Are Syrah and Malbec similar?
Syrah and Malbec are both red grape varieties, but they have distinct characteristics and are not considered similar. Syrah, also known as Shiraz, typically produces wines with medium to full body, high tannins, and flavors of dark fruits, black pepper, and spices. Malbec, on the other hand, tends to produce wines with medium body, moderate tannins, and flavors of blackberry, plum, and sometimes floral notes. While both can be rich and bold, their flavor profiles and regional expressions differ significantly.
What red wine is most like Shiraz?
A red wine that is most similar to Shiraz is Syrah. Both Shiraz and Syrah are made from the same grape variety, but the names differ based on the region in which they are produced.
Are Zinfandel and Syrah similar?
Zinfandel and Syrah are both red grape varieties, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Zinfandel is known for its bold, fruity flavors with notes of blackberry and spice, while Syrah offers a more complex profile with flavors of black fruits, pepper, and sometimes floral notes. Additionally, Syrah tends to have more tannins and a fuller body compared to Zinfandel. While they may share some similarities, they are distinct grape varieties with their own unique qualities.
What red wines are similar to Shiraz?
Some red wines that are similar to Shiraz include Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. These wines often exhibit bold flavors, rich fruitiness, and spicy notes similar to Shiraz, making them great alternatives for those who enjoy this style of wine.
What wine is closest to a Syrah?
A wine that is closest to a Syrah in terms of flavor profile and characteristics is Mourvèdre. It shares similar boldness, dark fruit flavors, and peppery notes with Syrah.
What wine is most similar to Shiraz?
A wine that is most similar to Shiraz would be Syrah. Both wines are made from the same grape variety, Syrah/Shiraz, and share similar characteristics such as bold flavors of dark fruits, pepper, and spice.
