Syrah and Shiraz are two names for the same grape variety. The grape is believed to have originated in France and is known as Syrah in the Rhône Valley, where it is most planted grape produces some of the world’s most famous and expensive wines. Shiraz is the name given to the same grape variety in Australia e.g. in the Barossa valley, where it has become the most widely planted grape variety.
Despite being the same grape, Syrah wine and Shiraz wines can differ significantly in taste and style. Syrah wines tend to be more elegant and refined, with flavors of blackberry, black pepper, and violet. Shiraz wines, on the other hand, tend to be bolder and richer, with flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate. The difference in style is partly due to the terroir and climate where the grapes are grown, as well as the winemaking techniques used.
Syrah vs Shiraz: What’s the Difference?
Syrah and Shiraz are two names for the same grape variety that produces dry, full-bodied wines with high both alcohol levels and acidity. However, the names Syrah vs Shiraz are often used to differentiate between Old World and New World expressions of the grape. In this section, we will explore the differences between Syrah and Shiraz, including their origins, terroir and climate, flavor profile, old world vs. new world styles, and food pairings.
Syrah and Shiraz are a grape variety that is known to be adaptable to different terroirs and climates. The grape grows best in warm, dry climates with well-draining soils. In France, Syrah is grown in the northern and southern Rhône valley, including the appellations of Côte-Rôtie, Crozes-Hermitage, and Hermitage. In Australia, Shiraz is grown in the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills, and McLaren Vale.
Syrah vs Shiraz wines are known for their rich, bold flavors with notes of black fruit, black pepper flavor,, and spice. Old World Syrah tends to be lighter in body and alcohol, leaner, and with finer tannins, while New World Shiraz tends to be richer, with riper aromas and fuller in both body and alcohol.
Old World vs. New World Syrah vs Shiraz
European Syrah refers mostly to wines produced in France, while New World Shiraz refers to wines produced in Australia, California, Chile, and other countries. Old World Syrah tends to be more restrained and elegant, with a focus on terroir and balance, while New World Shiraz tends to be more fruit-forward and bold, with a focus on ripe fruit and oak aging.
Food Pairings
Syrah vs Shiraz wines are versatile and pair well with a variety of foods. They are particularly well-suited to grilled meats, especially lamb, beef, and chicken. The bold flavors of Syrah and Shiraz also pair well with dishes that feature strong herbs and spices, such as thyme and garlic. They also pair well with chocolate and licorice desserts.
Chateauneuf du Pape
Chateauneuf du Pape is a wine region, located in the southern part of the Rhône Valley in France. It is known for producing some of the finest wines in the world, including Syrah-based blends. The wine region’s name means “the pope’s new castle,” and it was named after the summer residence of the popes during the 14th century.
Chateauneuf du Pape wines are typically a blend of several grape varieties, including Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. The wines from this region are rich, bold, and full-bodied, with flavors of black fruit, pepper, and spicy notes. The Syrah grape in Chateauneuf du Pape is a blending grape often blended with other grapes to create complex and flavorful wines.
The wines from Chateauneuf du Pape are also known for their chocolate, herb, blackberry, and blueberry notes, as well baking spice notes as well as their jammy fruit flavors. These wines are often aged in oak barrels, which gives them a unique flavor profile that includes notes of leather and licorice.
When it comes to food style wine pairing, Chateauneuf du Pape wines are a great match for grilled meats, especially beef and lamb. The bold flavors of the wine can stand up to the smoky flavors of grilled meats, while the tannins in the wine help to cut through the richness of the meat.
Tain l’Hermitage Syrah
Tain l’Hermitage is a small town located in the Northern Rhône Valley of France. The town is famous for producing some of the world’s most expensive and highly sought-after Syrah wines. The Syrah grape is the backbone fruit forward wine of the region, and the wines produced here are often referred to as “Hermitage Syrah.”
The Hermitage appellation is located on a south-facing slope overlooking the Rhône River. The soil here is made up of granite, which gives the wines a distinctive mineral character. The climate is also unique, with hot summers and cold winters, which helps to produce wines with high acidity and firm tannins.
Hermitage Syrah is known for its complexity and depth of flavor. The Syrah wine is typically full-bodied with dark fruit flavors, such as blackberry and black currant, as well as savory notes of black olive and smoked meat. The wine also has a distinctive peppery spiciness that is often described as “white pepper.”
Overall, Tain l’Hermitage Syrah is a unique and highly prized red wine that is beloved by wine enthusiasts around the world. Its distinctive flavor profile and aging potential make it a must-try for all red wine drinkers and anyone interested in exploring the world of Syrah wines.
The most famous wineries are the Chapoutier, Paul Jaboulet Aine and the Caves de Tain wineries.
Cote d’Or Syrah
Cote d’Or Syrah is a wine made from the Syrah grape in the Burgundy region of France. The region is known for producing some of the world’s best Pinot Noir wines, but Syrah is also grown there, albeit in small quantities.
Cote d’Or, called Syrah, is typically lighter in body and alcohol compared to its New World counterpart, Shiraz grape. It has a medium level of acidity and tannins, with fresh black fruit notes and a hint of black pepper. The wine is typically aged in oak barrels, which adds a subtle vanilla and spice flavor to the wine.
The following table shows a comparison between Cote d’Or Syrah and Shiraz:
| Aspect | Cote d’Or Syrah | Shiraz |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Burgundy, France | Australia |
| Body | Lighter | Fuller |
| Alcohol | Lower | Higher |
| Aromas | Fresh black fruit, black pepper, subtle vanilla and spice | Jammy fruit, leather, black fruit |
| Aging | Oak barrels | Oak barrels |
Cote d’Or Syrah is a wine that is best enjoyed with food. It pairs well with roasted meats, stews, and strong cheeses. The wine is best served slightly chilled, around 60°F (16°C), to bring out its fresh fruit flavors.
Overall, Cote d’Or , called Syrah, is a unique and elegant wine that is worth trying for anyone looking for a different expression of the Syrah grape.
Top 5 Recommendations of New World Shiraz
Shiraz is a popular type of dry red wine that is grown in hot climates like Australia. It is known for its full-bodied, rich, and bold flavors of blackberries and fruit cake. Here are the top 5 recommendations of New World Shiraz:
Penfolds Grange Shiraz
The Penfolds Grange Shiraz is a classic Australian Shiraz that has been aged for up to 20 years. It has a deep, dark color and is known for its complex flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice. This wine made by the australian winemakers of the Penfold winery is perfect for special occasions and pairs well with grilled meats and hearty stews.
Mollydooker Velvet Glove Shiraz
The Mollydooker Velvet Glove Shiraz is a highly rated wine that has won numerous awards. It has a deep, dark color and is known for its rich, full-bodied flavors of blackberry, chocolate, and coffee. This wine pairs well with grilled meats and spicy dishes.
Two Hands Bella’s Garden Shiraz
The Two Hands Bella’s Garden Shiraz is a popular wine that is known for its rich, full-bodied flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice. It has a deep, dark color and is aged for up to 18 months in oak barrels. This wine pairs well with grilled meats and hearty stews.
Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz
The Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz is a highly rated wine that has won numerous awards. It has a deep, dark color and is known for its complex flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice. This wine is perfect for special occasions and pairs well with grilled meats and hearty stews.
Yalumba The Octavius Shiraz
Australian Shiraz that has been aged for up to 22 months in oak barrels. It has a deep, dark color and is known for its rich, full-bodied flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice. This wine pairs well with grilled meats and hearty stews.
Shiraz grape is a type of wine that has its roots in Persia, where it was known as Syrah. The red grape that was brought to France and later to Australia by James Busby, who is known as the father of Australian wine. Today, Shiraz is a popular wine that is enjoyed around the world for its bold, rich flavors and complex aromas.
M. Chapoutier – L’Ermite`- Hermitage
Chapoutier L’Ermite is a wine that embodies the essence of terroir, with its vineyards situated on the steep granite slopes of the Hermitage Hill. The combination of old vines, low yields, and meticulous winemaking practices results in a wine of exceptional depth and complexity. The Syrah grapes grown here display an intense concentration of flavors, with notes of dark fruits, smoky minerals, and spices.
What sets Chapoutier L’Ermite apart is its ability to age gracefully for decades, evolving into a wine that offers remarkable nuance and refinement. The tannins are firm yet supple, providing structure to support the wine’s layers of flavor as it matures. Each vintage tells a unique story shaped by the variations in climate and soil composition, making every bottle a truly singular experience.
E. Guigal Cote Rotie Chateau d’Ampuis
The Guigal Cote Rotie Chateau d’Ampuis is a wine that embodies the epitome of sophistication and elegance. From the moment the cork is pulled, a bouquet of floral aromas and earthy notes wafts through the air, promising a sensorial journey like no other. The blend of Syrah and Viognier grapes creates a mesmerizing combination of bold flavors with subtle nuances, leaving the palate begging for more.
What sets this wine apart is its ability to effortlessly balance power with finesse. The rich, velvety texture is complemented by vibrant acidity, creating a harmonious symphony on the taste buds. Each sip reveals new layers of complexity, from dark fruits to hints of spice and minerality. It’s no wonder that Guigal Cote Rotie Chateau d’Ampuis has garnered such acclaim, as it consistently captures the essence of its terroir in every bottle.
Paul Jaboulet Aine Les Grandes Terrasses Cornas
The Paul Jaboulet Aine Les Grandes Terrasses Cornas is a Syrah-based wine that beautifully captures the essence of its terroir. This stunning red wine hails from the northern Rhône Valley, specifically the Cornas appellation known for producing bold, intense wines. Les Grandes Terrasses showcases the power and elegance inherent in Syrah, with its deep purple color and complex aromas of red and black fruits,, spices, and earthy undertones.
What sets this wine apart is its ability to balance richness with finesse, delivering a palate of ripe dark berries and savory spice notes supported by firm tannins. The intriguing minerality adds depth to the wine, reflecting the unique soils of Cornas. For those seeking an authentic expression of Syrah from an esteemed producer like Paul Jaboulet Aine, Les Grandes Terrasses Cornas offers a compelling journey through this distinctive vineyard’s character.
