Syrah vs Blaufränkisch
Syrah
A dark, structured red grape with black pepper and violet, closely associated with the northern Rhône and called Shiraz in Australia.
- Black pepper
- Violet
- Firm tannin
Recognize it
Deep color, firm tannin, and medium acidity, with dark fruit, black pepper, violet, olive, and dried herbs. Pepper is more common in cooler-grown examples.
Blaufränkisch
A high-acid, spicy Austrian black grape with dark cherry and medium to firm tannin, also grown as Kékfrankos in Hungary and Lemberger in Germany.
- Dark cherry
- High acidity
- Peppery spice
Recognize it
High acidity with medium to firm tannin in a medium body. Sour cherry and dark berries lead, with peppery or smoky spice.
How they compare
- SimilarPeppery spice and medium to firm tannin.
- DifferenceSyrah is usually fuller and riper; Blaufränkisch is tarter and more sour-cherry driven.