The short answer
Syrah / Shiraz has a little more body than Grenache. Syrah / Shiraz has noticeably more tannin than Grenache. Syrah / Shiraz has a little more acidity than Grenache. Grenache has a little more sweetness than Syrah / Shiraz.
Grenache originates in Spain and Southern France and is most associated with Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Priorat. Syrah / Shiraz originates in Northern Rhône, France, most associated with Hermitage, Rhône, Côte-Rôtie, Rhône, Barossa Valley.
Structure, side by side
Body
Tannin
Acidity
Sweetness
A 1-5 editorial judgement of the typical expression, not a measurement. Individual bottles vary more than the grape does — a warm-vintage example of the leaner wine can outweigh a cool-vintage example of the fuller one.
Grenache
Red · Spain and Southern France
Eat it with
- Lamb chops
- Chicken provençal
- Mediterranean vegetables
- Mild cheeses
Look for it from
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Gigondas
- Priorat
- Garnacha, Spain
Syrah / Shiraz
Red · Northern Rhône, France
Eat it with
- BBQ ribs
- Lamb
- Hard cheeses
- Smoked meats
Look for it from
- Hermitage, Rhône
- Côte-Rôtie, Rhône
- Barossa Valley
- McLaren Vale
Questions people ask
What is the difference between Grenache and Syrah / Shiraz?
Syrah / Shiraz has a little more body than Grenache; Syrah / Shiraz has noticeably more tannin than Grenache; Syrah / Shiraz has a little more acidity than Grenache; Grenache has a little more sweetness than Syrah / Shiraz. Grenache comes from Spain and Southern France; Syrah / Shiraz from Northern Rhône, France.
Which is drier, Grenache or Syrah / Shiraz?
Syrah / Shiraz is typically the drier of the two, but both are made across a range of styles — check the producer rather than the grape.
Which goes better with food?
Neither in general, both in particular. Grenache is a classic match for lamb chops, chicken provençal, mediterranean vegetables. Syrah / Shiraz suits bbq ribs, lamb, hard cheeses.
If I like Grenache, will I like Syrah / Shiraz?
The southern Rhône blend, split in two. Grenache is warm, sweet-fruited and soft; Syrah is darker, firmer and peppery. Together they make Châteauneuf-du-Pape; apart, they suit different evenings.
Taste them side by side.
Pour both, then work through how to taste wine with our free tasting sheet. Or scan both labels and SomeWine walks you through a structured tasting for each.