What is the Difference between Pinot Noir and Shiraz?

There is no such thing as too much knowledge, especially when it comes to wine. Understanding the nuances of a beverage that engages the senses on multiple levels can elevate your experience significantly. Wine is a holistic experience, beginning as a feast for the eyes, leading to a delightful olfactory journey, followed by a tantalizing taste, and ultimately touching the heart.

Pronunciation

Let's start by familiarizing ourselves with the pronunciation of these red wines:

Pinot Noir: 'pee-no nwar'

Shiraz: 'sha-razz'

Also Known As

Shiraz is recognized worldwide as Syrah, but it's worth noting that Pinot Noir also has a German name, Sptburgunder.

Origin of Wine

The roots of Pinot Noir trace back to the Burgundy region in France, while Shiraz's origins are in the Rhone Valley, also in France. These regions have played a pivotal role in the development and refinement of these wines.

Ideal Climate

Pinot Noir thrives in cooler climates to bring out its best characteristics, while Shiraz is known to flourish in temperate to hot climates, allowing it to develop its full flavor profile.

Best Australian Regions

Australia is home to numerous wine regions, but the most renowned for Pinot Noir are Tasmania, Mornington Peninsula, Adelaide Hills, Geelong, and Yarra. For Shiraz, iconic regions include Hunter Valley, McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, and Central Victoria.

Winemaking Technique

Both Pinot Noir and Shiraz require wood aging, though the techniques and duration can vary. The complexity of Pinot Noir's winemaking process contributes to its unique character.

Wine Body

Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine, typically containing less than 12.5% alcohol, while Shiraz is full-bodied with alcohol volumes often exceeding 13.5%.

Wine Colour

Owing to its lower viscosity, Pinot Noir has a translucent appearance. In contrast, Shiraz's thicker nature gives it an opaque ruby hue.

Wine Nose

The nose of Pinot Noir is dominated by aromas of strawberry, gamey cherry, detritus, and plum with hints of herbaceous notes. Shiraz, on the other hand, offers earthy and spicy aromas, including notes of spice, pepper, fruitcake, and plum.

Wine Palate

Pinot Noir's lower tannins result in flavors of cranberry, raspberry, strawberry, cherry, mushroom, vanilla, and clove. Shiraz, with its higher tannins, presents flavors of blueberry, blackberry, milk plum, chocolate, green peppercorn, black pepper, and tobacco, offering a richer mouthfeel.

Food Pairings

For Pinot Noir, lighter preparations like Atlantic salmon, tuna, and lighter red meats pair well with earthy vegetables and herbs. Shiraz, being bolder, can be enjoyed on its own but excels with dishes such as pepper steak, grilled beef, roasted duck, red curry, lamb BBQ ribs, and burgers.

Best Drinking Time

Pinot Noir is best enjoyed while young, as aging tends to diminish its freshness. Shiraz from warmer regions is best enjoyed young, whereas cooler region Shiraz requires more time to mature, optimizing its flavor profile.

Wine Glass

Pinot Noir is best served in a large globe-shaped glass to capture its floral aromas. Shiraz, however, is best consumed in a taller glass with a slight taper at the top to allow proper aeration, helping to mellow its tannins.

Now that you have a deep understanding of both Pinot Noir and Shiraz, the next time you hold a glass of either, be prepared to appreciate the wine beyond mere taste.

Cheers!