Syrah, also known as Shiraz, is a versatile and popular red wine varietal that has gained global recognition. This grape variety originates from France, particularly the Rhône Valley, where it has been cultivated for centuries. However, it has also found tremendous success in various other regions around the world. As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to explore and appreciate the different expressions of Syrah/Shiraz from diverse wine regions.
The name “Shiraz” is commonly used in Australia and some other New World wine regions, while “Syrah” is predominantly used in France and the Old World. The choice of name often reflects the style and character of the wine produced from this grape variety. While both names refer to the same grape, there are subtle differences in the winemaking techniques, terroir, and resulting flavor profiles between the two styles.
In France, particularly in the Northern Rhône region, Syrah is highly regarded and produces some of the finest and most complex red wines in the world. The wines from this region tend to be elegant, aromatic, and have a distinctive peppery character. Syrah from the Northern Rhône often exhibits notes of blackberries, violets, black pepper, and sometimes a touch of smoked meat or leather. These wines are typically full-bodied with firm tannins and excellent aging potential.
On the other hand, in Australia and other New World regions, Shiraz is often associated with bold, fruit-forward wines that showcase ripe black fruit flavors. Australian Shiraz has gained immense popularity for its rich, jammy flavors of blackberry, plum, and dark chocolate. These wines are often full-bodied, with softer tannins and a slightly sweeter fruit profile compared to their French counterparts.
Beyond France and Australia, Syrah is also grown in other parts of the world, including the United States (particularly California and Washington State), South Africa, Chile, and Spain. Each region brings its own unique terroir and winemaking practices, resulting in a diverse range of styles and flavor profiles for Syrah/Shiraz wines.
In my personal experience, I have come across exceptional Syrah/Shiraz wines from various regions. I have enjoyed a beautifully balanced Syrah from the Northern Rhône, which exhibited layers of dark fruit, earthiness, and a hint of white pepper. Similarly, I have also savored a rich and intense Shiraz from Australia, bursting with ripe blackberry and chocolate flavors. These experiences have allowed me to appreciate the versatility and depth that Syrah/Shiraz can offer.
To summarize, Syrah and Shiraz are two names for the same grape variety. Syrah is the commonly used name in France and the Old World, producing elegant and peppery wines. Shiraz, on the other hand, is used in Australia and the New World, where bolder, fruit-forward wines with ripe black fruit flavors are produced. However, it is important to note that these generalizations are not always absolute, as winemaking techniques and terroir vary within each region. Exploring Syrah/Shiraz from different regions provides a fascinating journey into the world of red wine, where one can discover a wide range of flavors, styles, and expressions of this versatile grape.