Shiraz or Syrah?

You say Shiraz, I say Syrah. Is there really a difference?

Syrah is a wonderful little red grape from the area of the Rhone in France. It is most commonly used as a blending grape to round out the nuances of Grenache. Most known for and shopped for as the southern Rhone, Cotes du Rhone wines. These wines are usually fruit forward full of dark fruits such as blackberry, raspberry, and cranberries. Also Syrah has a peppery middle palate of either white or black pepper and can either have a soft finish or be big bold and complex on the finish. These wines are fantastic food wines, they pair well with any grilled or smoked meats such as summer sausage or barbecue or hamburgers.
Some of the most fantastic collectible wines come from the Northern Rhone. These are predominately Syrah, and are recognized by the label saying Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage or Cote Rotie. These wines are intense in structure; being very dense they will have the ability to age and develop for years to come.
Shiraz is the grape that people widely recognize as the primary red wine from Australia. Most commonly marketed as an easy drinking fruit forward young wine. Shiraz really hit it big several years ago with Australian governments subsides for new vineyards, and the advent of the marketing genius and attractive pricing of Yellow Tail.
This little Aussie varietal called Shiraz is anything but an innocent little young wine, it was taken from the vineyards of France (as Syrah) in the 1800’s and planted in some of the greatest growing areas in Australia. The wines from these growing regions can be huge, great quality mind blowing reds, a total 180 degree twist from Y- Tail. The surprise about these wines is that most of them won’t hurt your pocket. It is easy to find great Aussie Shiraz for around and under $20 per bottle. Believe me, once you try these you will never go back to the cheaper alternative. It really is worth the little extra.
Shiraz is widely produced throughout all parts of the world, not just France and Australia. Don’t be scared to try Syrah/ Shiraz from other producers across the world, especially California.
When you visit a professional wine store they will be able to direct you to a number of these great wines. So if you say Shiraz or Syrah, it basically means the same thing.


Until next time. Drink more wine.


Tim Miles –Owner – Premium Wines & Spirits -
"Explaining the Miles of Wine"