Syrah vs Malbec
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.
Malbec
A deeply colored black grape with blackberry, plum and violet, native to southwest France and now strongly associated with Argentina.
- Blackberry and violet
- Deep color
- Medium to firm tannin
Recognize it
Deep purple color with medium to firm tannin. Blackberry, plum and violet are common. Argentine examples often feel riper and rounder; Cahors can be firmer and more savory.
How they compare
- SimilarDeep color, dark fruit and full body.
- DifferenceSyrah is pepperier and more savory; Malbec leans more toward plum and violet.