Food pairing showdown: Syrah vs Shiraz and what to cook for each

When it comes to wine, few spark as much curiosity and conversation as Syrah and Shiraz. While the wines are made from the same grape, their expression in the bottle will be wildly different. Syrah typically refers to the Old World style, most famously produced in France’s Rhône Valley, where it is savoury, peppery, and structured. Shiraz, on the other hand, is the bolder New World counterpart, often made in South Africa and Australia, showcasing ripe fruit, spice, and plush tannins.

One of the best ways of exploring the differences in your wines is through the lens of food, and here in South Africa, the cuisine is full of flavour, ready to be enhanced by high-quality wine.

Class is in session, so let’s dive into the perfect pairings for both wine styles. Whether you’re hosting a braai or plating a classic, we will venture down this road together.

Syrah – The elegant old soul

Medium to full-bodied, Syrah tends to be more restrained than Shiraz, with a more savoury, violet, plum, and white pepper character taking centre stage. It shines with earthy and herbaceous dishes, and food with subtle spice and complexity.

What to cook for Syrah

Local South African recommendations:

• Karoo Lamb Chops with Rosemary and Thyme
  The herbaceous character of Syrah complements the wild, savoury notes of Karoo lamb, particularly when grilled over coals and served with roasted vegetables. The wine's tannins and acidity also help cut through the richness of the meat, creating a harmonious balance and stage for the more subtle notes of the wine to shine.
• Bobotie (without too much sweetness)
  A Cape Malay classic that many travel the world to taste. Derived from Indonesian, Malaysian, and East African culinary traditions, the Cape Malay flavours are sweet, savoury and often have a spicy kick to them. When a Bobotie is made with a spicier, more savoury edge (hold back on the chutney), the peppery and floral character of Syrah shines through and creates layers of flavour.

For those looking for more classical dining options:

• Coq au Vin (with Syrah in the pot and the glass)
  A classic French dish that mirrors the wine’s rustic charm and earthy depth.
• Wild Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan
  Creamy and rich, yet subtle enough to allow Syrah’s savoury and floral tones to shine through.
• Venison or Duck Breast with Blackberry Reduction
  Gamey meats pair perfectly with Syrah’s structure, while a berry-based sauce mirrors the wine’s darker fruit notes.

Shiraz – The bold and spicy showstopper

Full-bodied, fruit-forward, and spiced with notes of darkberries, cloves, and liquorice. Shiraz is a crowd-pleaser and pairs well withbold, smoky, or sweet-and-spicy dishes.

What to cook for Shiraz

South African Pairings:

• Boerewors and Pap with Tomato Smoor
  A classic South African combo where the spice of the boerewors and the acidity of the smoor match the richness of Shiraz beautifully. Boerewors has a higher fat content, which the higher tannin and acidity of Shiraz will cut right through, revealing layers of spice and smokiness from the fire.
• Spicy Sosaties (Curried Lamb Kebabs)
  Choosing to marinade the sosaties in a sweet-and-spicy mixture will be the perfect beginning to a great pairing. The spices in the marinade will only be enhanced by the spice qualities found in Shiraz, creating an evolved character with each sip building in flavour. The sweet undertones of the food will make for a traditional match with a ripe, plush Shiraz.
• Sticky Pork Ribs with Basting Sauce
  Especially when the sauce includes hints of molasses, BBQ, or a dash of chilli. This sweet and spicy element will work the same as that in the     recommendation above, but the saltiness of the pork will act as a flavour enhancer, bringing out the sweeter fruit character from the Shiraz while allowing the spice character to shine.

Your more international recommendations would be:

• Beef Brisket with Smoky BBQ Sauce
  Smoky, slow-cooked meats amplify the wine’s spice and richness.
• Spicy Chorizo and Pepper Pasta
  A robust pasta dish that matches Shiraz’s big personality and balances the spice with dark fruit notes.
• Lamb Rogan Josh or Spiced Moroccan Tagine
  Middle Eastern and Indian spices bring out Shiraz’s boldness and sweet spice character.

The showdown: Syrah vs Shiraz at the dinner table

Think of Syrah as the wine for when you’re serving dishes with elegance, layers, and a touch of earthiness. It’s the dinner party wine for mushroom pastas, spice-inspired cuisine, and lightly smoky meats. Shiraz, meanwhile, is your weekend braai champion. It is rich, expressive, and up for the challenge of flavourful sauces, grilled meats and sweeter marinades.

Both wines are a great celebration of versatility, and at Waterford Estate, the Kevin Arnold Shiraz is the perfect wine for any occasion. Whether you're cooking local or going international, this is a wine that will bring out the best in your dish.

Host your own pairing night

Grab our Syrah vs Shiraz mixed case and plan an evening of flavour exploration. Prepare two to three dishes for each wine and let your guests decide which pairing wins the night. But when it comes to food and wine, the real winner is always the one who shares it.