Syrah vs Zinfandel
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.
Zinfandel
A ripe California red that is the same variety Italy calls Primitivo.
- Brambly fruit
- Sweet spice
- High alcohol
Recognize it
Fresh and raisined fruit can appear together because berries ripen unevenly within a bunch.
How they compare
- SimilarFull body and dark fruit.
- DifferenceSyrah is pepperier, more savory and usually firmer in tannin.