Similarities Of Malbec & Shiraz
Malbecs are a deep purple color and full bodied wines. Since the grapes are small and dark in color with very thick skins, the wine produced is a wine that has rich fruity flavors and medium tannin levels. One of the most popular and world renowned Malbecs are from Argentina. Some of the main tasting notes of an Argentinian Malbec are blackberry, plum, and black cherry.
There are also more subtle flavors such as chocolate, cocoa powder, leather, and very often a sweet tobacco finish. This wine is full of character. Shiraz on the other hand is a popular Australian wine which has flavors of spice, black fruit and pepper. More of a full-bodied wine, with a Shiraz you will get rich, ripe and intense fruit flavors. It could be a beginner’s wine but it is more popular with wine connoisseurs who like bold wines.
With the dark fruit palate of blackberry and plum with savory notes of leather, earth, pepper and even liquorice, Shiraz is an exceptionally versatile wine. A lot of the winemakers’ story and expression can be sought in these fantastic wines coming from different regions of the world.
Differences Of Malbec vs Shiraz
Malbec is smoother with notes of plum, blackcurrant, and vanilla, whereas Shiras is smoky and spicy, delivering a peppery finish on the palate. Malbec is a delicate, flavorful, medium-bodied wine which is a better wine for beginning tasters. It has a delicate flavor with a velvety texture and hints of berries, plum and currant, while Shiraz is a fuller bodied, bold and powerful wine with earthy qualities of pepper, truffle and leather.
How To Distinguish Between Malbec & Shiraz
Shiraz is more complex than Malbec, with its smokey, pepper-like finish while Malbec features more of the classic aged red wine notes, such as vanilla, plum and blackcurrant. By the look of it you might find the tears of a Shiraz thicker than those of a Malbec when you swirl the wine in a glass and let the tears drop down from the sides.
Malbec & Shiraz Comparison Chart
| Characteristic | Malbec | Shiraz |
| Sweetness | Dry | Dry to Sweet |
| Acidity | High | Medium to high |
| Tannins | Medium | Medium to high |
| Body | Medium | Full bodied |
| Tasting Notes | blackberry, plum, leather | dark fruits, pepper, and licorice |
| Popularity | 27,100 | 22,200 |
| Calories Per Glass | 118 | 122 |
| ABV % | 13.5 to 14.5 percent | 13.5 to 14.5 percent |
Pairing Food With Malbec & Shiraz
Malbec is a great match for steak, pork, and lamb, as well as fattier fish like salmon and poultry like dark meat. Meaty pasta dishes, such as Spaghetti bolognese or pasta with meatballs, will pair well with Malbec. It can also pair well with grilled chicken, enchiladas, or mock meat dishes. Shiraz pairs best with grilled or roasted meaty dishes such as burgers, beef, as well as big, intense and richer dishes such as BBQ steak, and eggplant! You can also pair it with braised meat, stews, grilled mushrooms, roast lamb and eggplant lasagna.
