Shiraz vs. Syrah: one grape variety, two wine styles

A French Noble Grape Triumphs in the International Top Wine Scene

The origin of Syrah was long debated, but today, its French origin in the northern Rhône Valley is well-established, as is its descent from the crossbreeding of Mondeuse Blanche and Dureza. Less well known is its close relation to another noble grape: Pinot Noir is an ancestor of the Syrah grape. Certain similarities to the star of Burgundy are sometimes even perceptible in the glass, especially when the grape is cultivated on Burgundy-esque granite soils.

The low-yielding Syrah grape has undergone an impressive evolution. Once, this French wine variety was mostly confined to the northern Rhône Valley, which established the region's reputation. Today, the late-ripening grape is among the most widely grown red grape varieties internationally. The world-renowned top red wines from both the Old and New Worlds are now immensely popular. And perhaps it’s precisely these unique characteristics, which shape the grape depending on its region of origin and winery, that make it so fascinating for wine enthusiasts.

Syrah or Shiraz? Old World vs. New World

Few grape varieties better illustrate the stylistic differences between the so-called Old and New Worlds: Under the name Syrah, the red wine follows the Rhône Valley style – under its original name, the variety is synonymous with elegant, spicy red wines typical of the French wine region. In Australia, South Africa, South America, and the USA, the variety is made into fruity and silky power wines, marketed under the name Shiraz. However, even outside of Europe, the wine is found under its French name – in this case, Syrahs in the style of the Northern Rhône.

Briefly, the stylistics can be categorized as follows:

• Syrah stands for a light, elegant, cooler style. The term is traditionally used in France and in regions that follow a more classic Rhône Valley style (Europe, USA, New Zealand, South Africa).

• Shiraz is synonymous with a ripe, full, and warmer style. Shiraz is the preferred term in Australia and sometimes in South Africa, where the variety often comes across as powerful, fruit-forward, and spicy.

A Journey Through Renowned Wine Regions

The northern Rhône Valley is the birthplace of the most famous Syrahs – and it is no coincidence that it serves as a model for winemakers working with the variety worldwide. In Australia, the red wine variety, imported from France in the 19th century, experienced rapid growth. The renowned winery Penfolds created a worldwide stir with its iconic Grange Hermitage and helped establish Shiraz internationally. South Africa also produces excellent Syrahs and has become a benchmark for the variety.

Syrah from France: World-Class Syrahs from the Northern Rhône

The stars among French Syrahs come from the old vines of the top appellations in the northern Rhône Valley, namely Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, and Cornas. These produce delicate, fresh, and highly elegant Syrahs that have remarkable aging potential and are regularly praised by international wine critics. A little further south, the variety is used as a blend partner, with the most famous examples coming from Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

• Hermitage: Hermitage is the epitome of Syrah and is one of the most prestigious red wines in the world. The steep, sunny slopes of the Hermitage Hill offer ideal conditions for the grape variety and provide the wines with distinctive power, concentration, and complexity. The red wines from Hermitage are known for their deep aromas of black fruits, spices, smoke, and leather, as well as an exceptional structure that allows for long aging.

• Côte-Rôtie: Côte-Rôtie, meaning "roasted slope," also produces highly elegant Syrahs. This appellation in the northern Rhône Valley is characterized by its steep vineyards, which are intensely sunlit. A special feature of this appellation is that Syrah is often complemented by a small percentage of Viognier, a white grape variety that adds aromatic finesse to the wine. Côte-Rôties combine a powerful structure with silky tannins and an incomparable aromatic complexity.

Southern Rhône Valley

In the southern Rhône Valley, the grape is used as a blending partner with Grenache and Mourvèdre, with the most famous examples coming from Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The variety also produces red wines with good drinkability in other southern French wine regions such as Languedoc.

Shiraz from Australia: Australian Top Red Wine Par Excellence

The red wine variety imported from France has seen a rapid rise in Australia. The renowned Penfolds winery created a stir with its iconic Grange Hermitage. Its significance, however, reached its peak in the 1990s. Shiraz wines come in various quality levels. We focus here on the crème de la crème.

• Barossa Valley: The southern Australian wine region is the most famous and prestigious region for Shiraz in Australia. It is characterized by a warm climate and old vines that produce Shiraz wines of exceptional concentration and complexity. Barossa Shiraz is known for its full body, strong tannins, and intense flavors of ripe dark fruits such as plums and black currants, combined with spice and chocolate notes. Renowned producers like Penfolds ("Grange"), Henschke ("Hill of Grace"), and Torbreck have made Barossa Valley synonymous with top-quality Shiraz.

• McLaren Vale: McLaren Vale, also in southern Australia, is another top region for the grape variety. The Mediterranean climate and diverse soils – from sandstone to limestone – enable the production of complex and nuanced Shiraz. Ripe fruit aromas, silky tannins, and often a characteristic spiciness with notes of black pepper and herbs define the red wines.

• Hunter Valley: The wine-growing region in New South Wales is one of Australia's oldest and is known for its elegant style. The wines are often lighter and more subtle, with earthy notes and flavors of red fruits and spices. These wines have remarkable longevity and develop complex secondary aromas over time.

Shiraz from South Africa

In addition to excellent Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chenin Blanc, South Africa also produces Syrahs in various styles, as demonstrated by renowned winemakers from Stellenbosch, Swartland, Paarl, Elgin, Franschhoek, Walker Bay, and Hemel-en-Aarde.

• Swartland: Swartland has become one of the most dynamic wine regions in South Africa, particularly known for high-quality Syrahs often made in the cooler style of the northern Rhône. The region offers granitic soils and a dry climate that helps the vines produce concentrated, expressive wines. Swartland Syrah is known for its intense aromas of black fruits, herbs, olives, and a characteristic mineral note. Top producers like Sadie Family have made Swartland one of the best Syrah addresses.

Other Wine Countries and Regions for Syrah

• Spain and Italy: In neighboring countries like Spain and Italy, Syrah is also cultivated. In Spain, the grape is grown in regions such as Priorat and Castilla-La Mancha, often in a modern style. In Tuscany, it is occasionally used in Super Tuscan blends and increasingly produced as a single varietal in Sicily.

• New Zealand: Syrah thrives in New Zealand, especially in the Hawke’s Bay region. Here, wines are made in the cooler style and impress with their finesse and resemblance to Rhône Valley wines.

• USA: In the USA, Syrah is grown in various wine regions, with California being particularly noteworthy. Regions like the Central Coast, Paso Robles, Napa, and Sonoma produce Syrahs that show different expressions depending on the terroir. In Washington State, excellent Syrah wines are also made, often with a cooler, European-inspired style.

• South America: In Argentina, Syrah is primarily grown in the regions of Mendoza and San Juan, where the warm conditions yield ripe and powerful Syrahs. Chile is also a significant growing region for the variety, especially in cooler areas like Casablanca, Colchagua, and Elqui, which produce well-balanced Syrah wines.

Alternative Wine Recommendations for Shiraz Lovers

• Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot: From the iconic Bordeaux blend to the Super Tuscan icon, Cabernet and Merlot are among the most popular red wine varieties worldwide. Our top 5 from famous international wine regions are sure to appeal to Shiraz fans.

• Malbec: Particularly the Argentine Malbecs from Mendoza's high altitudes are appreciated by wine lovers around the world. The author of this article also has a fondness for this lively, elegant powerhouse red wine with immense enjoyment potential.

• Sangiovese: From the full-bodied, intense Brunello di Montalcino to the light, fruity Chianti, the possibilities with Sangiovese are as numerous as they are varied. You can find the queen of Italian grape varieties in wines ranging from simple table wines to prestigious bottles with international renown.