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 produces some of the world’s most famous and expensive wines. Shiraz is the name given to the same grape variety in Australia, where it has become the most widely planted grape variety.
Despite being the same grape, Syrah 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.
While Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape variety, they are often marketed and sold under different names, depending on where they are grown and produced. Understanding the differences between the two can help wine enthusiasts make informed decisions when selecting wines to try and enjoy.
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 alcohol and acidity. However, the names Syrah and 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.
Origins of Syrah and Shiraz
Syrah is a French grape variety that is believed to have originated in the Rhône region of France, specifically in the northern Rhône valley. The grape is believed to have been brought to France by the ancient Greeks from Persia. The grape is also known as Shiraz in Australia, where it was brought by James Busby, a British viticulturist, in the 19th century.
Terroir and Climate
Syrah/Shiraz is 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 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.
Flavor Profile
Syrah/Shiraz wines are known for their rich, bold flavors with notes of black fruit, pepper, 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/Shiraz
European Syrah/Shiraz refers to wines produced in France, while New World Syrah/Shiraz refers to wines produced in Australia, California, Chile, and other countries. Old World Syrah/Shiraz tends to be more restrained and elegant, with a focus on terroir and balance, while New World Syrah/Shiraz tends to be more fruit-forward and bold, with a focus on ripe fruit and oak aging.
Food Pairings
Syrah/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/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.
In conclusion, while Syrah and Shiraz are two names for the same grape variety, they are often used to differentiate between Old World and New World expressions of the grape. The differences between the two lie in their origins, terroir and climate, flavor profile, old world vs. new world styles, and food pairings. Whether you prefer the elegance of Old World Syrah or the boldness of New World Shiraz, there is a Syrah/Shiraz wine out there for everyone.
Chateauneuf du Pape
Chateauneuf du Pape is a 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 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 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 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 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.
Overall, Chateauneuf du Pape wines are some of the most complex and flavorful wines in the world, and they are a must-try for any wine lover.
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 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 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.”
Hermitage Syrah is typically aged in oak barrels, which gives the wine additional flavors of vanilla and spice. The wine can be enjoyed young, but it also has the potential to age for many years, developing even more complexity and depth over time.
Overall, Tain l’Hermitage Syrah is a unique and highly prized wine that is beloved by wine enthusiasts around the world. Its distinctive flavor profile and aging potential make it a must-try for anyone interested in exploring the world of Syrah wines.
The most famous wineries are the Chapoutier, Paul Jaboulet Aine and the Caves de Tain.
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 Syrah is typically lighter in body and alcohol compared to its New World counterpart, Shiraz. It has a medium level of acidity and tannins, with fresh black fruit notes and a hint of black pepper. The wine is 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 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:
1. 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 is perfect for special occasions and pairs well with grilled meats and hearty stews.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Yalumba The Octavius Shiraz
The Yalumba The Octavius Shiraz is a classic 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 is a type of wine that has its roots in Persia, where it was known as Syrah. The grape 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.
Top 5 recommendations of Old World Syrah
Syrah, also known as Shiraz, is a grape variety that is widely grown around the world. However, the Old World Syrah regions, particularly France, produce some of the best Syrah wines in the world. Here are the top 5 recommendations of Old World Syrah:
1. Hermitage, Rhône Valley, France
Hermitage is a small appellation in the northern Rhône Valley that produces some of the most prestigious Syrah wines in the world. The terroir of Hermitage is unique, with steep granite hillsides that provide excellent drainage for the vines. The climate is continental, with hot summers and cold winters. The resulting wines are full-bodied with intense flavors of black fruit, spice, and earth.
2. Côte-Rôtie, Rhône Valley, France
Côte-Rôtie is another appellation in the northern Rhône Valley that produces exceptional Syrah wines. The terroir of Côte-Rôtie is characterized by steep hillsides, granite soils, and a continental climate. The resulting wines are elegant and complex, with aromas of black fruit, violets, and smoked meat.
3. Cornas, Rhône Valley, France
Cornas is a small appellation in the northern Rhône Valley that produces powerful and concentrated Syrah wines. The terroir of Cornas is unique, with steep hillsides and granite soils. The climate is continental, with hot summers and cold winters. The resulting wines are full-bodied with intense flavors of black fruit, spice, and mineral.
4. Saint-Joseph, Rhône Valley, France
Saint-Joseph is a larger appellation in the northern Rhône Valley that produces Syrah wines of exceptional quality. The terroir of Saint-Joseph is diverse, with granite, limestone, and clay soils. The climate is continental, with hot summers and cold winters. The resulting wines are elegant and complex, with aromas of black fruit, spice, and leather.
5. Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Languedoc-Roussillon is a large and diverse wine region in southern France that produces some excellent Syrah wines. The terroir of Languedoc-Roussillon is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The resulting wines are full-bodied with intense flavors of black fruit, spice, and herbs.
In conclusion, Old World Syrah regions, particularly France, produce some of the best Syrah wines in the world. The terroir and climate of these regions play a significant role in the character and quality of the wines.
I have been to a good deal of wine tasting events and vineyards over the years, and have a great understanding of what makes a great wine. I decided to set up New Day Wine as a way to share my passion and enjoyment for wine with others.
Through this site, I hope to recommend some of the best types of wine on the market, covering a wide range of different options, and countries of origin. In addition to this, I will be discussing everything there is to know about wine, from how it is created, to the differences between each type.
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