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.
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.