Syrah vs Mourvèdre
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.
Mourvèdre
A late-ripening black grape with firm tannin, dark fruit and a savory, meaty edge, strongly associated with Bandol and known as Monastrell in Spain.
- Firm tannin
- Blackberry
- Meaty, savory edge
Recognize it
Firm tannin with blackberry, black olive, dried herb and a savory, sometimes meaty or leathery edge. Young examples can feel austere.
How they compare
- SimilarDark fruit, firm tannin, savory character.
- DifferenceMourvèdre is often meatier and more austere; Syrah more often shows black pepper.
- SimilarDark fruit, savory character and firm tannin.
- DifferenceSyrah is more likely to show black pepper.