Grapes / Compare
Syrah / Shiraz vs Cabernet Sauvignon
Both big reds, different mechanisms. Syrah leads with pepper, smoke and savoury depth; Cabernet with blackcurrant and firm tannin. Same weight class, different fight.
Published 24 August 2026
The short answer
Cabernet Sauvignon has a little more tannin than Syrah / Shiraz.
Syrah / Shiraz originates in Northern Rhône, France and is most associated with Hermitage, Rhône, Côte-Rôtie, Rhône, Barossa Valley. Cabernet Sauvignon originates in Bordeaux, France, most associated with Pauillac, Bordeaux, Napa Valley, Coonawarra.
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.
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
Cabernet Sauvignon
Red · Bordeaux, France
Eat it with
- Beef ribeye
- Lamb chops
- Aged cheddar
- Dark chocolate
Look for it from
- Pauillac, Bordeaux
- Napa Valley
- Coonawarra
- Maipo Valley
Questions people ask
What is the difference between Syrah / Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon?
Cabernet Sauvignon has a little more tannin than Syrah / Shiraz. Syrah / Shiraz comes from Northern Rhône, France; Cabernet Sauvignon from Bordeaux, France.
Which is drier, Syrah / Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon?
Both are typically made dry, though either can be found in an off-dry style. Sweetness here is a winemaking decision more than a property of the grape.
Which goes better with food?
Neither in general, both in particular. Syrah / Shiraz is a classic match for bbq ribs, lamb, hard cheeses. Cabernet Sauvignon suits beef ribeye, lamb chops, aged cheddar.
If I like Syrah / Shiraz, will I like Cabernet Sauvignon?
Both big reds, different mechanisms. Syrah leads with pepper, smoke and savoury depth; Cabernet with blackcurrant and firm tannin. Same weight class, different fight.
Taste them side by side.
Scan both labels and SomeWine walks you through a structured tasting for each. One variable at a time is how this stops being theory.