Cabernet Sauvignon vs Syrah

Cabernet Sauvignon is more tannic and more acidic.

Sweetness, body, tannin and acidity are our rating of a typical dry table wine from each grape.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Red · France, Georgia, Italy

full, firm, blackcurrant and cedar

Syrah

Red · France, Italy

dark fruit, pepper, smoke

Bone dry
Sweetness: Bone dry; Very full
Body: Very full; Very high
Tannin: High; High
Acidity: Medium; 13.5 to 15%
Alcohol: 13.5 to 15%; 16 to 18 °C
Serve at: 16 to 18 °C; Bordeaux, Tuscany, Napa Valley, Paso Robles AVA
Regions: Rhône Valley, California, Texas, Columbia Valley

Only Cabernet Sauvignon

Steak
Hard and aged cheese
Mushrooms and truffle

Both pair with

Lamb

Only Syrah

Barbecue and smoked meat
Sausages
Game

Sources

Style profiles, pairings and serving figures are our own assessment. Regions and origins: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0); see the Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah pages.