Shiraz (or Syrah) tend to have blackberry, plum, spicy(not the chili spicy) to name a few, kinda flavor. Its the kind of wine you would pick to go with beef and hearty foods. IMO its a bit darker then merlot and generally would pick it if you are having a meal of sorts.

Shiraz is a much fuller bodied wine with more body or 'thickness' and has more mature taste. Whereas Merlot is a little lighter and not so heavy on the berry and plums, etc.

If you are just starting on reds (from whites) or just starting on wines, merlot would generally be your pick.

Or to make it simple... Merlot would be like beer as Shiraz would be to Vodka.. or absinthe - in terms of thickness and richness on the wine.

This post has been edited by vermins: Jan 27 2009, 07:17 PM