When it comes to choosing a robust red to compliment your meal, two names often stand out: Shiraz and Merlot. Both wines have gained worldwide acclaim, and while they share some similarities, their distinctions can make all the difference to a discerning palate. Let’s delve into the nuances of these two vinous giants.
Origins and Regions
Shiraz (or Syrah):
The grape, known as Shiraz in Australia and Syrah elsewhere, originates from the Rhône Valley in southern France. It’s best known for its explosive popularity in Australia, especially the Barossa Valley Shiraz, where the climate has proven ideal for producing powerful, fruity reds.
Let’s look at highly regarded Shiraz wines from the Barossa Valley.
The Standish Shiraz 2021
This collectible wine from Australia’s Barossa Valley is a bold expression of winemaker Dan Standish’s expertise, crafted from Shiraz vines nurtured by his family for six generations. The 2021 vintage is deeply concentrated, offering layers of cassis, raspberry, blackberry, and hints of licorice and dried herbs. Aged for 32 months in oak, it’s rich and full-bodied with firm tannins, making it a powerful pairing for roast lamb, venison, or slow-cooked beef dishes.
Enjoy now or cellar for up to 20 years to allow its complexity to deepen.
Buy Now: The Standish Shiraz 2021
Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
Alcohol: Approx. 14.9% ABV
Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2019
A sophisticated Australian red, Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2019 combines 93% Shiraz with 7% Cabernet Sauvignon for a wine that’s rich, full-bodied, and refined. Unlike many premium reds, it’s matured in large old vats rather than new oak barrels—preserving the purity of fruit and allowing subtle notes of dark berries, spice, and earth to shine through.
Decant for two hours before serving. Drink now or cellar for up to 25 years.
Buy Now: Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2019 at 8Wines (€114.90)
Region: South Australia – Barossa, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley
Alcohol: 14.5% ABV
Kaesler Old Bastard Shiraz 2020
An icon of the Barossa Valley, Kaesler Old Bastard Shiraz 2020 is made from some of the region’s oldest vines, planted in the 1890s. The 2020 vintage delivers a powerful and concentrated wine with remarkable depth—expect rich layers of blackberry, dark plum, and mocha, balanced by fine tannins and a long, savoury finish. Crafted using regenerative farming practices, this collectible Shiraz honours heritage while embracing sustainability.
Decant for 1 hour before serving. Drink now or cellar for up to 20 years.
Buy Now: Kaesler Old Bastard Shiraz 2020 at 8Wines (€114.04)
Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
Alcohol: 14.5% ABV
These wines offer a range of flavours and complexities that make them worthy contenders for anyone looking to explore the depth of Shiraz from Australia’s renowned Barossa Valley. Each has its unique characteristics and storied backgrounds, promising a rich and engaging tasting experience.
Merlot:
Merlot finds its ancestral home in Bordeaux, France, particularly the Right Bank regions of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. Its adaptability has made it popular worldwide, with notable production in California, Chile, and Italy.
The Duckhorn Decoy Merlot 2019 from California, is noted for its deep dark berry, plum, and cherry aromas, complemented by festive spices from oak ageing. It has a fruity palate with ripe blackcurrant and blueberry flavours, balanced by refreshing acidity, velvety texture, and refined tannins. This Merlot is recommended for pairing with lamb, or rich tomato sauce dishes.
Tasting Notes
Shiraz:
Expect a bold, full-bodied wine. It’s often characterised by flavours of dark fruits like blackberry and plum, complemented by peppery notes, chocolate, and sometimes even smoked meat or leather. Australian Shiraz often exhibits jammy fruit flavours, while those from France can be more restrained and earthy.
Merlot:
Merlot is typically smoother and rounder. Its flavour profile includes plum, cherry, and other red fruits, with hints of chocolate, bay leaf, black tea, or vanilla. The texture is velvety, making it a favourite for those who appreciate a wine that’s easier to drink without foregoing complexity.
Food Pairings
Shiraz:
With its bold profile, Shiraz pairs beautifully with grilled meats – steak, spicy dishes, and hearty stews. Think lamb chops, spicy barbecue ribs, or even a spicy vegetarian curry.
For the Welsh Beef Ribeye Joint, the ideal wine pairing is the Kaesler Old Bastard Shiraz 2020. Sourced from century-old vines in the Barossa Valley, this powerful Shiraz brings bold blackberry and dark plum flavours, accented by mocha and a hint of spice. Its rich structure and firm tannins beautifully complement the marbled texture and deep savoury notes of the beef, making it a truly indulgent match.
For a rich and hearty dish like oxtail stew, you want a wine that can stand up to its intense, slow-cooked flavours. A bold red, such as a Shiraz or Syrah, would be a fantastic pairing. The Standish Shiraz 2021 would complement the deep, savoury notes of the oxtail with its bold tannins and dark fruit flavours. Its structure will enhance the richness of the meat, while its peppery and earthy undertones will complement the stew’s complexity.
Merlot:
Its versatility is one of Merlot’s strengths. It pairs exceptionally well with roast chicken, pork, pasta dishes with red sauces, and even some lighter game meats like duck.
Ageing Potential
Shiraz:
While many Shirazes can be enjoyed young, some premium ones, particularly from regions like Barossa, have the potential to age gracefully for decades, developing more complex tertiary flavours over time.
Merlot:
Merlots, especially those from Bordeaux, can age beautifully, softening further and taking on notes of leather, tobacco, and forest floor. However, many New World Merlots are made to be enjoyed young.
Choosing between Shiraz and Merlot often boils down to personal preference. If you’re in the mood for a powerful, fruit-forward wine with a spicy kick, Shiraz might be your pick. If you’re craving something velvety, elegant, and fruit-centric, Merlot may be more up your alley. Regardless of your choice, both wines offer a delightful journey for the senses, making them undeniable titans in the wine world.
Commonly Asked Questions:
- What is better, Shiraz or Merlot?
This really depends on your taste! Shiraz is known for being a bold, robust wine with lots of spice and peppery notes, perfect for those who like their wines to pack a punch. On the other hand, Merlot is softer and smoother, with rich flavours of plum and cherry, making it ideal if you prefer a more approachable, easy-drinking wine. It’s less about which is “better” and more about what fits your mood or meal. Why not try both and see which one speaks to you? - Is Shiraz or Merlot more dry?
Both wines can be dry, but Shiraz often feels a bit drier because of its stronger tannins and fuller body. Tannins are what give wine that slightly puckering sensation. Merlot, while still a dry wine, tends to be fruitier and less tannic, so it might taste smoother and less drying on the palate. If you prefer a wine with a bit more richness and less of that dry sensation, Merlot could be your go-to. - Is Shiraz the strongest red wine?
Shiraz is certainly known for its strength! It often has higher alcohol content and a big, bold flavour profile, with spicy, earthy tones. That being said, it’s not the “strongest” in every way, as some wines can have more intense tannins or even higher alcohol levels depending on where they’re made. Still, Shiraz is definitely one of the more powerful reds, so if you like a wine that makes a statement, it’s a fantastic choice. - Which red wine is the smoothest?
If you’re looking for a red wine that’s silky and smooth, Merlot often wins. Thanks to its softer tannins and rounder flavours, it’s incredibly easy to drink. It’s often described as velvety and lush, which makes it a popular choice for those who might be newer to red wine or just prefer a less intense experience. While Shiraz is bold and exciting, Merlot offers a gentle, calming sip that pairs beautifully with a wide variety of foods.