Syrah vs. Shiraz: What’s the Difference?

When browsing wine lists at a bar or wandering around your local bottle shop, you might have noticed two seemingly different wines: Syrah and Shiraz. But are they really different? The answer lies in a combination of tradition, terroir, and winemaking style. Read on as we find out more!

One Grape, Two Names

Did you know that Syrah and Shiraz are actually the same grape variety? The variety originated in the Rhône Valley, France, where it was first known as Syrah.

The variety is also called Syrah in other Old World wine regions, while Shiraz was the name adopted by Australian winemakers (and later, by some other New World producers).

The Rumour Behind the Name Shiraz

There is a popular rumour that the name Shiraz originated when James Busby (known as the father of Australian viticulture) brought Syrah cuttings from France to Australia in the 1830s. Supposedly Shiraz was a mispronunciation of the original Syrah!

Australian winemakers embraced the name, and it became synonymous with the bold, fruit-forward style of wine that put Barossa Shiraz on the world stage.

How Style Defines the Name

Over time, the names Syrah and Shiraz have come to represent distinct styles of wine.

Typically, wines labeled as Syrah are influenced by the Old World. They tend to be more restrained, elegant, and structured, with flavours of blackberries, pepper, smoked meat, and earthy undertones. These wines often have higher acidity and firm tannins, making them excellent for aging.

In contrast, Shiraz has become known as a bolder, fruit-driven style. These wines are rich, full-bodied, and packed with ripe dark fruit flavours, chocolate, and spice. Warmer climates like the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale create lush, powerful Shiraz wines with softer tannins and a plush mouthfeel.

Climate and Soil Influence

In cooler climate regions like the Northern Rhône, New Zealand and some high-altitude sites in Australia and California, Syrah/Shiraz tends to be more elegant and restrained. It exhibits high acidity, peppery spice, floral aromas, and a more savoury, earthy character.

Warmer regions like Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and parts of California and South Africa, show richer fruit flavors like blackberry and plum, along with chocolate and spice notes. The wines tend to have softer tannins and a fuller body.

Soil composition also plays a key role in the expression of Syrah/Shiraz:

• Granite and schist can help to produce structured, mineral-driven wines with pepper and floral notes.
• Sandy soils can encourage soft, fruit-forward expressions with aromatic complexity.
• Limestone and clay can result in rich, concentrated wines with depth and power.
• Volcanic soils can impart smoky, earthy nuances and enhance acidity.

Shiraz from Great Southern, Western Australia

The Great Southern is a unique wine region in Western Australia, producing Shiraz that is a world away from the bold, fruit-forward styles of Barossa. The region’s cooler climate, influenced by its proximity to the Southern Ocean, results in a more refined and structured expression of Shiraz.

The region’s long, cool growing season allows for slow ripening, leading to wines with bright acidity, fine tannins and complex spice-driven aromas.

In regard to the region’s soils, gravelly ironstone contributes to mineral complexity and fine tannin structure, while loamy and sandy soils help produce vibrant fruit expression with lifted aromatics.

Shiraz from Great Southern often has excellent aging potential, developing further depth and elegance over time. We recommend a tasting at our cellar door to really see the difference in styles across our ranges!

Food Pairings

Both Syrah and Shiraz are incredibly food-friendly, but their styles influence the best pairings.

Syrah pairs beautifully with roasted meats, game, mushroom dishes and hard cheeses, while Shiraz complements barbecue, grilled meats, rich stews and spicy dishes.

Which One Should You Choose?

It all depends on your preference! If you enjoy bold, fruit-forward wines with spice, Shiraz is the way to go. If you prefer something more structured and earthy, Syrah might be your perfect match.

Next time you’re choosing a bottle, consider the name on the label – it might just give you a clue about what’s inside!

Looking for an exceptional Shiraz? Explore our collection online or head to our cellar door in Mount Barker for a tasting.