Medium Bodied Red Wine

Though Syrah and Shiraz come from the same grape, the differences in name hint at something more profound—style, climate, and tradition. In France’s Rhône Valley, Syrah finds its most iconic expression, particularly in Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie. These wines are elegant, with fine tannins, floral notes, and a peppery, earthy complexity.

Cross the globe, and you’ll find Shiraz thriving in Australia. In regions like Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, it becomes riper and richer, offering notes of plum, dark chocolate, and spice. Winemakers embrace new oak aging, resulting in a more powerful, fruit-driven profile. Whether labeled as Syrah or Shiraz, this grape encapsulates the wide diversity within the medium bodied red wine category.

In the Northern Rhône, Syrah reaches aristocratic heights. Wines from Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, and Saint-Joseph are deeply aromatic, offering layers of blackberry, smoked meat, olive, and black pepper. These medium bodied red wines are known for their ability to age with grace, developing tertiary notes of leather and spice.

Unlike fuller-bodied reds, Syrah from these cooler climates carries freshness and linearity. The tannins are present but refined, offering structure without overwhelming the palate. Served slightly below room temperature and allowed to breathe, these wines reveal stunning complexity in a RIEDEL Syrah glass, crafted to showcase aromatics and finesse.

Australian Shiraz has become a global ambassador for bold, flavorful red wines. In the warm regions of South Australia, Shiraz grapes ripen fully, producing wines with generous fruit, lush tannins, and a plush mouthfeel. Notes of blackberry, blueberry jam, mocha, and spice dominate the palate.

Yet there is also restraint and elegance to be found. Cooler-climate areas like the Yarra Valley or Canberra District produce more savory, peppery styles reminiscent of the Northern Rhône. These wines remain medium bodied but add a distinctly modern energy. Pair with barbecued meats, pepper steak, or aged cheddar to bring out the best in every glass.

Medium bodied red wines sit between the lightness of a Pinot Noir and the intensity of a Cabernet Sauvignon. They often have moderate alcohol, balanced acidity, and smooth yet noticeable tannins. While body refers to the weight of the wine on the palate, structure comes from tannins and acid—two pillars that define a wine’s aging potential and food-pairing capacity.

Beyond Syrah and Shiraz, other notable medium bodied red wines include Sangiovese, Grenache, Merlot, and Zinfandel. These wines vary in flavor profile but share an ability to offer richness without heaviness—ideal for long dinners and everyday elegance.

Shape matters—especially for structured, aromatic reds. Every RIEDEL Shiraz/Syrah glass, be it old world or new world, is thoughtfully designed to translate the unique personality of a grape into a fuller, more expressive tasting experience. Whether you're enjoying the floral elegance of a cool-climate Syrah or the bold intensity of a sun-soaked Shiraz, RIEDEL’s varietal-specific designs elevate every nuance—from peppery aromatics to supple tannins. This isn’t just red wine in a glass—it’s the soul of the varietal, brought to life through precision and purpose.

Whether you lean toward the smoky, floral precision of Old World Syrah or the ripe, expressive charm of New World Shiraz, medium bodied red wine offers something for every palate. It is a category of nuance and balance—ideal for sipping, pairing, collecting, and most of all, enjoying.

Take the next step in your wine journey with the right glass. Explore our dedicated RIEDEL collections and elevate every pour, from weekday dinners to special celebrations.

Explore our Syrah/Shiraz Glasses