Is Shiraz Cabernet dry or sweet?

Answered by Kyle Floyd

As a sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that Shiraz Cabernet is generally made in a dry style. Shiraz Cabernet is a blend of two grape varieties, Shiraz (also known as Syrah) and Cabernet Sauvignon. Both of these grapes are typically used to produce dry red wines.

The term “dry” refers to the absence of residual sugar (RS) in the . When a wine is described as dry, it means that the fermentation process has converted all of the grape sugars into , resulting in a wine that is not sweet. This is the case for most Shiraz Cabernet wines.

However, it's important to note that there can be variations in sweetness levels among different brands and styles of Shiraz Cabernet. Some winemakers may choose to leave a small amount of residual sugar in the wine to balance out the acidity or add a touch of sweetness. These sweeter styles are less common, but they do exist.

It's also worth mentioning that the perception of sweetness in a wine can be influenced by factors other than actual sugar content. For example, ripe fruit flavors like blackberry and blueberry are often associated with Shiraz Cabernet, especially when the grapes are grown in warm climates. These flavors can give the impression of sweetness, even if the wine is technically dry.

In my personal experience, I have tasted a wide range of Shiraz Cabernet wines, and the majority of them have been dry. The rich, bold flavors of black fruit, spice, and earthiness are characteristic of this blend, and they are usually not accompanied by sweetness.

To summarize, Shiraz Cabernet is typically made in a dry style, with the fermentation process converting all of the grape sugars into alcohol. While there may be some variations in sweetness levels among different brands and styles, the majority of Shiraz Cabernet wines are dry, showcasing the bold and complex flavors of the two grape varieties.